How to color-code records in Airtable
Color-code Airtable records by a single select field such as Status, then change each option's color so records stand out at a glance in your grid.
Quick answer
Open the Color menu in the Grid view toolbar, choose Select field to color records the same as a single select field, and pick Status. Then click the swatch beside an option such as Todo and choose a new color. Every record with that value updates across all views in the table.
Steps at a glance
- Click Color in the toolbar
- Choose Select field
- Pick the Status field
- Click the swatch beside Todo
- Choose a new color
- Check the colored records in the grid
Interactive demo
Summary
Airtable can color records based on a single select field, so each option gets its own color. It makes a busy grid easier to scan because status or category shows at a glance.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the Color menu
In the Grid view toolbar, click **Color**. A menu opens with two ways to color records.
Step 2
Color records by a single select field
Choose **Select field**, which colors records the same as a single select field. The other option, **Conditions**, colors records based on conditions.
Step 3
Choose the Status field
Airtable lists the options of the field, here **Todo**, **In progress** and **Done**, each with its own color. Open the field picker and choose **Status** if it is not already selected.
Step 4
Click a color swatch
Click the swatch beside an option such as **Todo**. A palette opens with light, medium, dark and darker shades of each color.
Step 5
Pick a new color
Click any swatch in the palette to assign it to that option. Editing colors affects all views in this table.
Step 6
See your colored records
Click away from the menu and look at the grid. Records are colored to match their Status, and Airtable shows a "Field updated" message.
Why this matters
You have a table full of tasks and need to see which are Todo, In progress or Done without reading every row. Coloring records by Status turns the grid into a visual tracker you can scan in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I color records without a single select field?
The Color menu also offers Conditions, which colors records based on conditions, but this guide only covers the Select field option.
How do I turn row colors off?
After choosing Select field, the menu shows a Stop coloring button.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to filter records in AirtableFilter records in an Airtable grid view: open Filter, add a condition on a field such as Name, enter a value, and see only the matching records.
How to group records in AirtableGroup records in an Airtable grid view by a field such as Status, so related rows sit together in sections you can collapse and scan quickly.
How to create a kanban board in AirtableLearn how to create a kanban board in Airtable: add a Kanban view, name it, and stack your records by the Status field to track work visually.
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