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Feb 09, 2022 08:58 AM
Hi there! I’d appreciate any ideas about how to handle this data entry need:
I have a form (external users) where one of the fields needs to collect assessor’s parcel numbers. Users tend to input this in very inconsistent formats, so I wanted to make this a multi-select or use a linked record from another table to force consistent formatting. However, there are about 29k potential parcel numbers to select from, and Airtable is not handling a CSV upload of these numbers into a new table (it crashes out even though the CSV is <2MB).
I’d take all kinds of solutions, including:
Or any other clever ideas about how to handle this to cut down on post-entry data cleaning as much as possible!
Thank you!
Solved! Go to Solution.
Feb 09, 2022 09:17 AM
The CSV import in Airtable has a maximum limit of 25,000 rows, so you would need to break up your CSV into multiple CSV files to create all of those records in a table. Then, you will be able to create the “linked records” functionality that you were talking about.
I’m not sure what the limit is for a multi-select field, but after you create all of those records, you could convert that field into a multi-select field, and Airtable will convert all of your options into your multi-select options.
Another option would be to turn to an advanced form tool like JotForm, which supports forcing formats like 000-000-0000, and can also create a multi-select option list based on importing a CSV file:
Feb 09, 2022 09:17 AM
The CSV import in Airtable has a maximum limit of 25,000 rows, so you would need to break up your CSV into multiple CSV files to create all of those records in a table. Then, you will be able to create the “linked records” functionality that you were talking about.
I’m not sure what the limit is for a multi-select field, but after you create all of those records, you could convert that field into a multi-select field, and Airtable will convert all of your options into your multi-select options.
Another option would be to turn to an advanced form tool like JotForm, which supports forcing formats like 000-000-0000, and can also create a multi-select option list based on importing a CSV file:
Feb 09, 2022 09:57 AM
Thanks! I actually already tried splitting the CSV into 10,000-row sections to upload, but still no dice. Any other tips I might try?
Feb 09, 2022 10:16 AM
Very odd! Maybe try 5,000, which was the old limit.
Feb 09, 2022 10:57 AM
5000 worked! Thanks for the tip.
Feb 09, 2022 11:05 AM
That’s great! Question: were you using Airtable’s CSV Import App? Their documentation says 25,000, so I should let them know if that is wrong.
Feb 09, 2022 11:10 AM
I was using the Quick Import From - CSV file option.
At 10,000 rows my browser tab just kept hanging/dying after I selected the file and once I could see the data, but before I actually clicked the final Import button.
Feb 09, 2022 11:25 AM
While I’m glad that you got the import situation mostly worked out, I’m not sure that using a table with publicly-visible parcel numbers would be a good idea. I recommend parsing/validating the numbers after submission using a script that runs via an automation when the form is submitted. If you’re not familiar with scripting and would like help with such a tool, message me and we’ll set up a meeting to discuss the options.