Airtable to PostgreSQL field mapping
Most import damage happens at the field-type boundary. Decide each mapping deliberately and write it down.
This is a generalised method, not a client case study. No client names, schemas, data, or outcomes are published here, and no results are claimed on a client's behalf.
What is airtable to PostgreSQL?
Most import damage happens at the field-type boundary. Decide each mapping deliberately and write it down.
Method
- Map each field type using the table below and record any deviation with a reason.
- Promote single and multiple select fields to lookup tables or enums rather than free text.
- Store attachments in object storage and keep a row with URL, checksum, and content type.
- Preserve timezone information on every date-time field; Airtable's display timezone is not the stored value.
- Convert formula fields to generated columns or views, never to static values.
Airtable field -> PostgreSQL
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Single line text -> text
Long text -> text
Number (integer) -> bigint
Number (decimal) -> numeric(precision, scale)
Currency -> numeric(14,2) + currency code column
Percent -> numeric(5,4)
Checkbox -> boolean not null default false
Date -> date
Date with time -> timestamptz
Single select -> enum or lookup table + fk
Multiple select -> join table
Collaborator -> fk to users
Link to another record-> fk (1:n) or join table (n:m)
Lookup -> view or generated column
Rollup -> aggregate view
Formula -> generated column or view
Attachment -> object storage + attachments table
Barcode / URL / email -> text with check constraint
Autonumber -> identity column (keep original as a column)
Created / modified -> timestamptz with triggerFailure modes
- Floating point for currency.
- timestamp without time zone, which loses the offset silently.
- Multiple select stored as a comma-joined string.
How it is verified
- Round-trip a sample of each field type and compare normalised values.
- Check constraints reject the malformed values the old base tolerated.
Questions this pattern answers
What is airtable to PostgreSQL?
Most import damage happens at the field-type boundary. Decide each mapping deliberately and write it down.
How do you implement airtable to PostgreSQL field mapping?
Map each field type using the table below and record any deviation with a reason. Promote single and multiple select fields to lookup tables or enums rather than free text. Store attachments in object storage and keep a row with URL, checksum, and content type. Preserve timezone information on every date-time field; Airtable's display timezone is not the stored value. Convert formula fields to generated columns or views, never to static values.
How is airtable to PostgreSQL field mapping verified?
Round-trip a sample of each field type and compare normalised values. Check constraints reject the malformed values the old base tolerated.
What usually goes wrong with airtable to PostgreSQL field mapping?
Floating point for currency. timestamp without time zone, which loses the offset silently. Multiple select stored as a comma-joined string.
Related patterns
Projects in this track
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