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Dynamic Form Synchronization and Data Entry Workflow between Airtable and Baserow

This workflow implements dynamic form generation and data entry automation between Airtable and Baserow. By automatically retrieving the database table structure, it generates forms that comply with API formats and supports dynamic mapping of various field types. After users submit the form, the system can automatically create new records and handle file uploads, ensuring complete synchronization of data and attachments. This solution significantly enhances the flexibility and efficiency of data entry, making it suitable for enterprises or teams that require unified management of data across multiple platforms.

Workflow Diagram
Dynamic Form Synchronization and Data Entry Workflow between Airtable and Baserow Workflow diagram

Workflow Name

Dynamic Form Synchronization and Data Entry Workflow between Airtable and Baserow

Key Features and Highlights

  • Automatically fetches the schema of specified databases and tables from Airtable or Baserow, dynamically generating corresponding n8n forms.
  • Enables bidirectional data transformation for form inputs, ensuring data complies with the target database API format.
  • Supports automatic mapping of various field types, including text, number, date, single select, multi-select, file uploads, and more.
  • Implements specialized handling for file and attachment fields, ensuring files are uploaded to the respective platform before updating table records; fully compatible with the differing file management mechanisms of Airtable and Baserow.
  • Upon form submission, automatically creates new records, updates file attachments, and returns a submission confirmation to the user.

Core Problems Addressed

Traditional Airtable and Baserow forms have limited capabilities, making dynamic form generation and unified data entry experiences challenging. This workflow leverages the n8n platform to dynamically build forms based on database table schemas, resolving issues such as mismatched form and database fields, complex file uploads, and cross-platform data synchronization. It significantly enhances the flexibility and automation level of data entry processes.

Use Cases

  • Organizations or teams managing data in Airtable or Baserow who want to collect data using more flexible n8n forms.
  • Scenarios requiring a unified form experience and data entry workflow across different database platforms (Airtable and Baserow).
  • Business cases involving automatic handling of complex field types and attachment uploads.
  • Users seeking to rapidly build dynamic forms and data synchronization integrations through low-code solutions.

Main Workflow Steps

  1. Form Trigger: Users submit requests via a web form, specifying the target Airtable BaseID and TableID, or Baserow TableID.
  2. Schema Retrieval: Retrieve the complete database schema from Airtable or the specified table’s field list from Baserow.
  3. Field Filtering and Conversion: Filter out unsupported field types and convert the original schema into n8n-compatible form field formats (JSON Schema).
  4. Dynamic Form Rendering: Dynamically generate interactive n8n forms based on the converted field definitions and present them to users.
  5. Data Preprocessing: After form submission, preprocess the data by removing file fields and converting data types (e.g., boolean fields).
  6. Create New Record: Use Airtable or Baserow APIs to create new records with the processed form data.
  7. File Upload Handling: Separately handle file-type fields by uploading files to the respective platform. Baserow uses a two-step process (upload then update), while Airtable uploads and updates in a single step.
  8. Update Record File Fields: Write back uploaded file references to the table records to ensure complete synchronization of attachment data.
  9. Submission Confirmation: Display a success message confirming the completion of the submission to the user.

Involved Systems and Services

  • Airtable: Accesses database schemas, creates records, and uploads attachments via Airtable API.
  • Baserow: Retrieves table fields, uploads files, and creates/updates rows through Baserow API.
  • n8n Forms: Dynamically generates and renders forms, handling user input data.
  • Webhook: Triggers form submission and data processing workflows.
  • Code Nodes: Implements data format conversion, field mapping, and file handling logic.

Target Users and Value Proposition

  • Data administrators and developers: Quickly build integrated data entry solutions spanning Airtable and Baserow without redundant development.
  • Business teams and product managers: Achieve flexible user data collection through dynamic forms, improving form experience and data quality.
  • Automation enthusiasts and low-code users: Utilize n8n to automate complex form-to-database synchronization, reducing manual work and errors.
  • Any organization needing unified management of multi-platform database forms and file uploads, greatly simplifying workflows and boosting efficiency.

This workflow delivers a flexible, efficient, and extensible solution by combining dynamic form generation with automated cross-platform data and file synchronization, enabling users to seamlessly connect Airtable and Baserow and elevate their data management capabilities.