How to create an automation in Airtable
Learn how to create an automation in Airtable: pick a record trigger, choose a table, add an Update record action and keep the automation switched off.
Quick answer
To create an automation in Airtable, open the Automations tab, choose a trigger such as When a record is created, select the table it watches, then add an action such as Update record. Airtable creates the automation switched off, so you can finish configuring it before you turn it on.
Steps at a glance
- Open the Automations tab
- Choose a trigger
- Pick the table to watch
- Add an action
- Choose Update record
- Leave the automation off until configured
Interactive demo
Summary
An Airtable automation runs an action every time a trigger fires, so repetitive work in your base happens without you. You build it as a trigger followed by one or more actions, all in the Automations tab.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the Automations tab
In your base, select **Automations** in the top navigation. The tab lists suggested triggers and a **Browse catalog** button for ready-made automations.
Step 2
Choose a trigger
Under the suggested triggers, select **When a record is created**. Airtable creates a new automation with that trigger and opens its settings in the Properties pane.
Step 3
Pick the table to watch
In the Configuration section, open the **Select a table** dropdown. The trigger needs a table before it can run.
Step 4
Select Table 1
Choose **Table 1** from the list. The trigger card now reads "When a record is created In Table 1".
Step 5
Add an action
Select **Add advanced logic or action** below the trigger. A menu opens with logic options and Airtable actions. A tip titled **Reference your data** may appear; it does not change the steps.
Step 6
Choose Update record
Select **Update record** in the Airtable section. The action is added under the trigger and its settings open, with fields marked **Finish configuration** still to fill in.
Step 7
Leave the automation off until it is ready
The automation toggle in the top bar shows OFF. Leave it off while you configure the action, so nothing runs until you finish.
Why this matters
You keep editing the same field on every new record by hand. Building an automation once means each new record is handled the same way, and you can configure and test it while it stays switched off.
Frequently asked questions
Is the automation on after I create it?
No. A new automation starts switched off, as the toggle in the top bar shows.
Can I pick a different trigger?
Yes. The Automations tab also suggests triggers such as When a record matches conditions, When a record is updated and At a scheduled time.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to add records in AirtableAdd records to an Airtable table in Grid view: click the plus under the last row, type a name into the new row, and check the record count.
How to create a new table in AirtableAdd a blank table to an Airtable base: open Add or import, choose Start from scratch, name the table, and save it so it appears in your tab bar.
How to add a new field in AirtableAdd a new field to an Airtable table from grid view: open the add field menu, pick a field type, name it, and create the new column in seconds.
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