I’d like to be able to specify a value to start the autonumber, and even the interval. Of course, I can start at any number I want, as long as I create and then delete as many rows as needed :slightly_smiling_face: but a better solution would be welcome!!
Specifying a starting number for an autonumber
+16@Polen, I agree. This is such a basic and obvious feature to have.
This is important when on-boarding to Airtable from another system. We used to have a manual log (e.g. for purchase orders). With Airtable we can make this on-line, so we want to continue from the next number. This should be simple - but is not.
Was there ever a solution for this? I have just started using this tool. It seems cool but I’m almost 7600 records in. I can’t have autonumber start over at 1
+16Was there ever a solution for this? I have just started using this tool. It seems cool but I’m almost 7600 records in. I can’t have autonumber start over at 1
You can use the autonumber field without worrying much-- simply hide it and instead have a calculated field that is 7600 (or whatever number) + {autonumer} (or whatever you called it). That’s one way around it.
+19Here’s a suggestion. Make 3 columns:
- A formula column
- An autonumber column
- Your desired starting number OR adjustment factor
Then, use column 1 (the formula) to add your column 2 auto number to your column 3 starting number (or adjustment factor).
It’s not as streamlined as your initial feature request, but it IS a work around that should accomplish what you need. (This may vary if you are trying to increment differently than +1, but a formula should still be possible to make this work)
+1Here’s a suggestion. Make 3 columns:
- A formula column
- An autonumber column
- Your desired starting number OR adjustment factor
Then, use column 1 (the formula) to add your column 2 auto number to your column 3 starting number (or adjustment factor).
It’s not as streamlined as your initial feature request, but it IS a work around that should accomplish what you need. (This may vary if you are trying to increment differently than +1, but a formula should still be possible to make this work)
Thanks for the suggestion. This let me to reset autonumbers during testing without breaking formulas :thumbs_up:
Yes. Auto-numbering with a custom start number is hugely beneficial. We are currently having to type these numbers in manually each time.
+21Yes. Auto-numbering with a custom start number is hugely beneficial. We are currently having to type these numbers in manually each time.
Did you try the suggestion above from @Alex_Wolfe?
Here’s a suggestion. Make 3 columns:
- A formula column
- An autonumber column
- Your desired starting number OR adjustment factor
Then, use column 1 (the formula) to add your column 2 auto number to your column 3 starting number (or adjustment factor).
It’s not as streamlined as your initial feature request, but it IS a work around that should accomplish what you need. (This may vary if you are trying to increment differently than +1, but a formula should still be possible to make this work)
Thank you @Alex_Wolfe. This is helpful. As a non-tech-savvy person trying to work my way through this, your explanation makes sense. Now to see if I can pull it of…
Here’s a suggestion. Make 3 columns:
- A formula column
- An autonumber column
- Your desired starting number OR adjustment factor
Then, use column 1 (the formula) to add your column 2 auto number to your column 3 starting number (or adjustment factor).
It’s not as streamlined as your initial feature request, but it IS a work around that should accomplish what you need. (This may vary if you are trying to increment differently than +1, but a formula should still be possible to make this work)
Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
Here’s a suggestion. Make 3 columns:
- A formula column
- An autonumber column
- Your desired starting number OR adjustment factor
Then, use column 1 (the formula) to add your column 2 auto number to your column 3 starting number (or adjustment factor).
It’s not as streamlined as your initial feature request, but it IS a work around that should accomplish what you need. (This may vary if you are trying to increment differently than +1, but a formula should still be possible to make this work)
Btw, you can work the starting number into the formula directly. Saves you one column.
Here’s a suggestion. Make 3 columns:
- A formula column
- An autonumber column
- Your desired starting number OR adjustment factor
Then, use column 1 (the formula) to add your column 2 auto number to your column 3 starting number (or adjustment factor).
It’s not as streamlined as your initial feature request, but it IS a work around that should accomplish what you need. (This may vary if you are trying to increment differently than +1, but a formula should still be possible to make this work)
Worked for me - thanks! :slightly_smiling_face:
Please can we have an option to choose what number auto-numbering starts at?
Seems like such an obvious feature and was first requested in 2016 and still no sign of it!
I understand I can get around it using custom formulas, but when trying to keep fields as lean as possible this feels unnecessary and clunky.
A simple 'start number' added to the auto-number field would be great.
Thanks!
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