Step 1: Create a new field

Start by navigating to Airtable and opening your desired base. The primary field will be the first column on the left.

Beside the columns, you'll find a “+” button. Click on it.



Choose the desired field type and name this new field according to your preference and hit the button “create field.”

Step 2: Copy data from the primary field

In order to change the type of the primary field in Airtable, you need to delete the data in that column, because the requirements of the new field type will be different from the old one. So that you don’t lose any data, you need to copy it to the new field. To do so, select all the data present in the primary column and use Cmd+C or Ctrl+C (on MacOS or Windows, respectively) to copy the selected data.

Navigate to the newly created column. Click on the first cell beneath the field name and paste the data through Cmd+V or Ctrl+V, depending on your operating system.

Step 3: Customize the primary field

Now you can customize your primary field, as if you’re creating a new one. This means you can change its name, change its type, and other configurations.

Step 3.1: Edit field

Click on the downward pointing arrow located on the right of the primary field name.

Click on the “Edit field” option, which is typically the first on the list.

Step 3.2: Change the field type

A tab will appear, displaying the current field type. Press the downward pointing arrow next to it. This will allow you to change the type of primary field into text, numbers, dates, durations, barcodes, and more.

Step 3.3: Change the field name

Rename your primary field according to your needs and confirm your changes by clicking on the “Save” button.

Step 3.4: Confirm your changes

If a popup appears, read it to make sure you are aware of the impact on other fields. If you agree, hit “Confirm the change.”

Moving forward, remember to input any new data into your adjusted primary field to maintain consistency and accuracy in your database.