How to use Airtable AI
Add an AI field in Airtable that summarizes a text field. Pick Generate content, write instructions, add a source field, then review the results.
Quick answer
To use Airtable AI, add a field to your table, choose the Generate content field agent, write instructions that reference a source field such as Notes, and click Create. Airtable then fills the new field for every record that has source data, and you can review the results right in the grid.
Steps at a glance
- Click the add a field button next to your last column.
- Search for AI and choose Generate content.
- Name the field and write short instructions.
- Add Notes as a source field.
- Click Create to generate the field.
- Review the generated text in the grid.
Interactive demo
Summary
Airtable AI lets you add a field that writes its own content from the data in your other fields. In this guide you build a summary field from a Notes field, so every record gets a one-line recap without manual typing.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Add a field to your table
Open your table in Grid view and click the add a field button at the end of the column headers. A menu opens with a search box and a list of field types.
Step 2
Pick an AI field type
Type AI into the search box. Under Field agents you see options such as Analyze attachment, Generate image, and Generate content. Choose Generate content to create text from your existing data.
Step 3
Write instructions and add a source field
Enter a name for the field, then replace the default text in Instructions with your own prompt, for example a request to summarize the notes in one short sentence. Click Add source field and choose Notes so the agent knows which data to read.
Step 4
Create the AI field
Click Create. Airtable adds the new column and generates content for your records, then shows a message that it generated 3 records for the field.
Step 5
Review the generated summaries
Look at the new Summary column in the grid. Each record with text in Notes now has a short summary, and a record with no source data shows a message that source fields are missing.
Why this matters
You have a table full of long notes and no time to reread them before a launch meeting. An AI field condenses each record into a short line, so you can scan the whole table at a glance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose which fields the AI reads?
Yes. Click Add source field in the instructions box and pick the field you want the agent to use, such as Notes.
What other AI field types are available?
The field type search lists Field agents such as Analyze attachment, Research companies, Find image from web, Generate image, Deep match, and Create custom agent.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
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.
How to add formulas in AirtableAdd a formula field in Airtable to combine or calculate from existing fields. Choose Formula, name the field, type the expression and check results.
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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