Update a data field with automation

[Scott_Jenkins]

I have an Automation that updates a Multi-Select field in a different table. When the update occurs it over writes what is currently in that field. Each name has a different color.

I want to augment, or add to the existing data in the Multi-Select field not over-write it. Not sure how to approach the problem within Automation.

For Example, a field of user names, each name is in a color bubble separated with a space. Initially the field is updated with the name “John”. A second update to the field with the name of “Tom”. The resultI was expecting is : “John Tom”, or “John, Tom” each name in a different color bubble, but what I get is “Tom” and an empty color bubble.

Any suggestions.

[ScottWorld]

Welcome to the community, @Scott_Jenkins!

You can do this by inserting the current multi-select field (the “names” value) into the field, then adding a comma, then adding the new value.

Hope this helps! If you’d like to hire an expert Airtable consultant to help you with anything Airtable-related, please feel free to contact me through my website: Airtable consultant — ScottWorld 

[Scott_Jenkins]

Scott, Thanks for the tip. From your tip, it dawned on me I need a Lookup of the field in the table I was wanting to modify.

[ScottWorld]

Below is a screenshot of how you can update a multi-select field to include BOTH the previous multi-select values AND the new value.

Alternatively, you can always use Make's automations to update multi-select fields (or other array fields in Airtable) as well, and I demonstrate this on this Airtable podcast episode.

Hope this helps! If you’d like to hire an expert Airtable consultant to help you with anything Airtable-related, please feel free to contact me through my website: Airtable consultant — ScottWorld

[Vicky_Tremblay]

Hi,
this is useful!
But when I try this method, it adds a new blank option in my multi select and in the field updated by the automation
Can someone help me with this? :slightly_smiling_face:

[ScottWorld]

That means that your field was previously blank before adding the new value.

Try swapping the 2 values and see if that solves the problem.

In other words, put the “new value” first, then add a comma, then add the multiselect field value last.

Alternatively, if your needs grow to be even more complex than that, you can always turn to Make's automations, which I demonstrate in this Airtable podcast episode.

Hope this helps! If you’d like to hire an expert Airtable consultant to help you with anything Airtable-related, please feel free to contact me through my website: Airtable consultant — ScottWorld

[CNFETP_CONVOCAT]

Hi, i think i’ve the answer but… Is it possible to remove one of the selected options in a multi select field ?

Something like that :
Before = [Working] [Compiling] [Talking] [Waiting]
After = [Working] [Compiling] [Talking] [Running]

Takes all the selected items from the previous state of the field… Remove one on them (waiting)… And add one another (running)…

Thanks for all

[TheTimeSavingCo]

Hmm, how are you triggering the automation to do this?

I think if I were you I might just have a formula field that outputs the options I want selected, and pastes said value into the multiple select field

[David_Weiss2]

i tested it. it doesn't make a difference whethere you include the variable for the previous multi select options. unfortunately airtable always adds a BLANK multi select option if it is previously empty. strangely, if initially there is a value, it only adds that value and not an additional blank category. it think that's a bug that should be fixed.