Automatically Name a Record Using Only Part of a Filename
I am hoping someone can help me with this! I have tried and tried to find a solution, but I’m having trouble. Currently, records are named using a PDF filename that is synced from a Google Drive folder. (ie -- 123456789.pdf) The number of digits before in the PDF range from 4 to 9 digits. Currently, the record name becomes G-123456789 in our table.
However, we have a new naming convention for our documents. So, I need to pull only PART of the filename to name the record. The new naming convention looks like this:
123456789 North Smith 04-03-2025.pdf
I need it to pull just the first number (123456789) to use to name the record in Airtable. I hope that makes sense, and I hope someone can help!
Thank you!
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Extract (for reference, can all be done in the Merge formula)
As it seems pretty standard this is easy to solve, as you can use a formula field to extract only the string that you need with the MID() function.
For your example it would be something like MID({Filenamefield}, 2, 9), which would output only 123456789. Then you could combine that using Concatenate with your date and location fields to create an autotitle.
As it seems pretty standard this is easy to solve, as you can use a formula field to extract only the string that you need with the MID() function.
For your example it would be something like MID({Filenamefield}, 2, 9), which would output only 123456789. Then you could combine that using Concatenate with your date and location fields to create an autotitle.
I used this and created a new column. However, I have a few issues. First, the number can be anywhere from 4-9 digits. With the MID function you gave me, it is including additional characters in my filename. (ie -- when the filename is 98765.pdf, it is assigning the name “98765.pdf “ since that would be 9 characters.) Basically, no matter the filename, I need it to just pull the first number.
So, if the filename is “123456789.pdf”, I need it to name it “123456789”.
If it’s “123456789 North Smith 04-03-2025.pdf”, I need it to name it “123456789”.
If it’s “123456.pdf”, I need it to name it “123456”.
And, if it’s “123.pdf”, I need it to name it “000123”.
The name needs to be a minimum of 6 characters with preceding zeroes if necessary and a maximum of 9 characters. But, I need it to drop anything after the first number. Is this even possible???
Okay, I thought it was more structured than it was…
I think I’ve got a solution, try the below, subbing your field name for {Label}
