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Importing a CSV file: 'Create missing select options'- dude where's my new options?

  • April 5, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 7 views
R

When importing a CSV file I am selecting ‘create missing select options’. I can see these new options in the preview but when I’ve selected ‘import’- the records are there but with no new options. Troubleshooting I have already done:

  • I am the owner- however on the free plan.
  • I have saved the Excel file as a standard CSV and as a CSV UTF-8 file.
  • I have tried importing a smaller sheet (sheet/data is not large to begin with)
  • I have made sure the field mapping during import matches the multiple select field exactly.

  • I have refreshed the base and switched views after import.

  • The data is not computed fields (like formulas, rollups, etc.) 

  • I have no hidden or filtered views.

  •  I don’t have a huge amount of options in my multiple select fields to begin with.

 

I have submitted a ticket but am interested to hear what the community thinks. What am I missing?

1 reply

coderkid
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  • coderkid
  • Participating Frequently
  • April 5, 2026

I can confirm that even though “Create missing select options” is selected, it doesn’t actually create any options, although they do appear in the preview…
 

Here is a workaround you can use while waiting for Airtable Support’s response:

Copy your list of values from your spreadsheet and paste them into a Single line text field in Airtable.

Then, click the field header, select Edit field, and change the type from Single line text to Single select.

And… Airtable will automatically detect all unique text values and prompt you to convert them into select options.

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