How to create a snapshot in Airtable
Create a snapshot in Airtable from Base history: take a saved copy of your base, confirm it, and find it in the Snapshots list to restore later.
Quick answer
To create a snapshot in Airtable, open your base and click Base history, then choose Snapshots and select Take snapshot. Airtable saves a copy of your base and shows a Snapshot taken message. Click Okay, then reopen Snapshots to see the new entry listed with how long ago it was taken.
Steps at a glance
- Open your base and click Base history.
- Click Snapshots in the history panel.
- Select Take snapshot.
- Click Okay on the Snapshot taken message.
- Reopen Snapshots to see the new entry.
Interactive demo
Summary
A snapshot is a saved copy of your base at a point in time. Taking one before a big edit gives you a version of your base to go back to if something goes wrong.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open Base history
Open the base you want to protect. In the top bar, click **Base history** to open the history panel.
Step 2
Open Snapshots
The history panel lists **Undo**, **Redo**, **Snapshots**, **Record revision history**, and **Trash**. Click **Snapshots** to open the snapshot tools.
Step 3
Select Take snapshot
Click **Take snapshot**. Airtable shows a short saving message while it makes the copy of your base.
Step 4
Confirm the snapshot
When the **Snapshot taken** message appears, the copy is saved. Click **Okay** to close it.
Step 5
Find your snapshot in the list
Open **Base history** and **Snapshots** again. Your new snapshot is listed with how long ago it was taken, for example 17 seconds ago. Only look at the list here and do not click it unless you mean to restore, which replaces the current base.
Why this matters
You are about to restructure a table, delete fields, or let a teammate loose on your base. Taking a snapshot first means you have a saved version of the base from before the changes, so you can work without worrying about breaking things.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find snapshots in Airtable?
Click Base history in the top bar of your base, then click Snapshots. Taking a snapshot and viewing the list both happen in that panel.
How long does Airtable keep snapshots?
The Snapshots panel in this capture said you have 1 year of snapshot history.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to restore deleted records in AirtableBring back a record you deleted by mistake in Airtable. Open Base history, choose Trash, click Restore, and check the record is back in your grid.
How to duplicate a base in AirtableLearn how to duplicate a base in Airtable from the Home page, choose whether to copy records and comments, and open the finished copy when it is ready.
How to add a lookup field in AirtableAdd a lookup field in Airtable to pull values from linked records into a table. Follow seven steps from the add field menu to a finished column.
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