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Aug 26, 2020 08:20 AM
Is it possible to convert textual data within a column as you change the field type from single line text to checkbox. I’ve uploaded a pre-existing spreadsheet that contained the text “complete” to show the status of processing. I would like to convert the field to checkbox and therefore, convert any data marked complete to a checkbox.
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Aug 26, 2020 04:17 PM
Welcome to the Airtable community.
If you convert a single line text field to a checkbox, Airtable will try to determine if the checkbox is selected based on the text.
The following text will convert to :heavy_check_mark: :
- 1
- true
- yes
- checked
The following will convert to unchecked:
- 0
- false
- no
- blank
- random text
If you want to use a different method for having a check box selected I recommend you take a multi-step process:
-
Create a formula field that examines the existing text field and converts it to one of the above values. For example,
IF({text field name} = "complete", 1)
-
Convert the formula field to a checkbox field.
-
Delete the original text field (if desired).

- Mark as New
- Bookmark
- Subscribe
- Subscribe to RSS Feed
- Permalink
- Report Inappropriate Content
Aug 26, 2020 04:17 PM
Welcome to the Airtable community.
If you convert a single line text field to a checkbox, Airtable will try to determine if the checkbox is selected based on the text.
The following text will convert to :heavy_check_mark: :
- 1
- true
- yes
- checked
The following will convert to unchecked:
- 0
- false
- no
- blank
- random text
If you want to use a different method for having a check box selected I recommend you take a multi-step process:
-
Create a formula field that examines the existing text field and converts it to one of the above values. For example,
IF({text field name} = "complete", 1)
-
Convert the formula field to a checkbox field.
-
Delete the original text field (if desired).
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