Airtable already depends on pre-defined formatting. And to certain degree formatting is configurable. Some fields might have different `actual value` and `presented value` by default - for example the datepicker, duration or percentage field.
This is great! It makes the field both user friendly and well usable within automation and scripts and filtering, sorting.
I think it would be awesome if this pattern would expand further:
Often we're using formula fields. To some degree there's a possibility to format the formula field: as number, currency or even map it to single select options.
What if in the formatting tab, there would be an option for "formula"? Then you can define your own custom way to format your value.
Examples:
Formatting difference values as `+5%` with the `+` included. (Price difference)
Custom date formatting via DATE_FORMAT (but the underlying value is still date)
Custom duration formatting
Units visible directly in the cell (200 m²)
Custom number formatting (using both K, M as needed... 100K, 200M)
Formatting dependent on other fields! $200 in one record, €200 in another, based on the picked currency in the Currency single select field
Custom labels for Urls and buttons! The button CTA could be different based on other fields but the link is defined. `Open 'SKU123' in Admin` or `Delete John Doe in X` (as opposed to Delete User).
I think this little thing could improve a lot of QOL improvements. And you would not have to have special `formatted` formula fields. Values would display nicely and at the same time you could also practically work with them in automations and scripts.
The main downside? It could be confusing to someone that they are entering a value but the underlying formula then transforms it differently. For example you enter "3" and it shows up as "0.03%", depending on how the author designed the formatting formula.
But I still believe this would be a net positive feature 🙏
