Convert Single Select to a Table

[JKrug]

Hi All!

I am trying to change a single select field in my base to a linked field, with all the single select options populated as rows in a new table. I have a long list of single select options that I do not want to have to re-type manually if possible.

I could have sworn this was possible in the past with a right-click action, but I can't find it anymore (or I don't remember right).

Thanks,

Jaco

[Mike_AutomaticN · Accepted solution]

Hey @JKrug!

Create the new table, and then just convert the single select field into a linked field (to the new table). That will automatically create the new records on the new table! No data will be lost ☺️. 

Mike, Consultant @ Automatic Nation

[DisraeliGears01]

Does creating your new table first (making sure that the primary field is a short text field), and then changing the single select to a linked field not work? That should associate your records and then you can substitute the primary field if you'd like.

If that for some reason isn't working, then I'd duplicate your single select field, convert to short text in the original table, and then do the same.

[Sofiyullah001]

Hi, Jaco

As an Airtable Certified Expert

Have you checked if there’s an option available in your platform that allows bulk actions on fields? It sounds like there’s an efficient way to convert your single select field into a linked field without retyping everything.

I can help you with this process, and it should be relatively straightforward to set it up using a simple script or database query. I have extensive experience working with database management and field manipulation, ensuring seamless transitions without losing data.

I’d be happy to discuss more in detail and work together on this. Let me know how you’d like to proceed!

Best Regards,

Sofiyullah

[Alexey_Gusev]

Hi,
Your memories based on other action - when you turn text to a single-select. you see all future options in a text way. Previous advices will work only for options, currently selected in field.

To see all, use one-liner. It prints last created single-select field options on active table, available to copy-paste.  If it has several such fields and script took wrong, duplicate desirable, then run. Ignore linter. 

console.log([' ',...base.getTable(cursor.activeTableId||' ').fields.filter(f=>f.type=='singleSelect').pop()['options']['choices'].map(c=>c.name),' '].join('\n'))

[TheTimeSavingCo]

There's a free script in the Airtable Marketplace that should do what you need: https://airtable.com/marketplace/scrTTfECsGz67CMob/create-records-from-multiple-select

[JKrug]

Thank you guys! Yes, creating a table and switching the field from single select to linked field works (partially).

It creates entries in the new table for all entries that are used in the base, but not for entries that are not used (yet).

I bit the bullet and just typed the missing ones in manually. The script would work as well from what I can see.

It would be nice to have something like this built into Airtable itself.

Thank you!

Jaco