When you load data from Airtable to PostgreSQL, it’s easier to manage large datasets, perform SQL querying, maintain data integrity, and integrate with data analytics tools.
Let’s explore different ways to perform this integration and how you can set them up.
Methods to load data from Airtable to PostgreSQL
Here are some effective options to choose from:
1. ETL tools
ETL (extract, transform, and load) tools are used to transfer data from one app to another. Coupler.io is a reporting automation platform that provides ETL functionality. It enables you to extract data from over 60 business apps, transform it, and load it into the selected destination. With Coupler.io, you can easily connect Airtable to PostgreSQL and automate data refresh on a schedule.
| Pros | Cons |
| No coding or technical skills are needed Easy to set up and complete Automated data refresh | Subscription-based but you can get started for free. |
2. Manual export and import
Airtable has an export functionality that allows you to download your data. Then, you can load it into PostgreSQL using either the graphical interface, pgAdmin, or the command-line interface, psql.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to implement For one-time imports | Not automated Not scalable |
3. Custom integration with Airtable API
If you posess technical skills, you can set up your own code-based integration using the Airtable API to pull data from Airtable. Next, you’ll need tomap the data to ensure it aligns with the schema in PostgreSQL. Then, you can proceed to load the data into PostgreSQL using a scripting language and some SQL queries.
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides full control Flexible and customizable | Requires coding expertise Tedious setup process |
How do you connect Airtable to PostgreSQL using Coupler.io?
The Coupler.io importer can only export data from each Airtable view at a time.
To connect Airtable to PostgreSQL, click Proceed in the preconfigured form below. You’ll be offered to create a new Coupler.io account for free (no credit card is required).
Step 1. Collect your Airtable data
Get a shared URL to the desired Airtable view so the importer can copy data from it. To create your link, navigate to the preferred Airtable base, select a View, and go to Share and Sync on the menu bar. Once created, you’ll be able to copy it.
If you want to restrict it with a password, go to Link Settings and enable the feature. Remember to provide the password to the importer so they can access your data.
Step 2. Preview and transform data
The next step allows you to see your data and make any necessary changes. You can:
- Hide and edit columns
- Filter and sort data
- Merge data if you’ve connected multiple Airtable views or sources
- Add columns using formulas
Step 3. Load and schedule data refresh
Follow the in-app instructions to authenticate your PostgreSQL account. You’ll need to enter details such as host, port, database, user, and password for connecting to the server. Next, you’re required to enter a table name. Adding a schema is optional.
The Set up a schedule button allows you to turn on Automatic data refresh and schedule imports. You can choose the interval, days of the week, time preference, and time zone. The interval for imports can be every 15 or 30 minutes, hourly, daily, or monthly.
Click Save and Run to sync Airtable view data to the Postgres database. If the process is successful, you’ll be able to find your data already added to the specified table.
Can I export an entire base using the Airtable to PostgreSQL integration?
One Coupler.io importer only allows you to export one view or merge different views together before sending data to PostgreSQL.
To export an entire Airtable base with each view on a separate table in PostgreSQL, you need to create a separate importer per view. Instead of starting from scratch, you can simply duplicate the existing importer. Simply click the three dots on the importer page and select Copy.
Manual export from Airtable to PostgreSQL
Log into your Airtable account and use the steps below to export data manually from it:
- Go to the base (database) and select the table view you prefer
In your base, the left sidebar displays all table views. Pick a view and click the dropdown to access the Download CSV option. Clicking it will download that view as a CSV file.
To upload the CSV file using pgAdmin (the graphical interface), you need to:
- Activate your PostgreSQL server and right-click on it to create a database. If you have an existing database, simply locate it.
- Right-click on the database to create a schema.
- Under the schema, right-click on Tables to create a table.
Make sure to give your table a unique name. It’s also necessary to add the number of columns the table needs and specify a name, data type, and length/precision for each.
- Right-click on the table to find the Import/Export data option
Then, you can choose the CSV file from your computer.
- To view your data, right-click on the table and hover on View/Edit data
Voila! Your data will be available in your table.
Note that you can utilize the psql tool to create tables and upload new records to PostgreSQL. However, you need to be familiar with SQL commands and know how to navigate the command line well.
What is required to build a custom integration with Airtable API?
Setting up your own Airtable PostgreSQL integration is for tech-savvy users since it requires backend skills. Make sure to pick a scripting language that can send API requests and allows you to interact with databases. Below are the steps to connect Airtable to PostgreSQL:
- Access the Airtable API key
In your Airtable account settings, you will find your API key and personal access tokens. Check out the Airtable API docs for specific resources on the HTTP requests.
- Set up your PostgreSQL database
You need to configure your destination before syncing data. Make sure to create a database, a schema that matches the data structure, and a table to hold your data.
- Create or find a script to move Airtable data
You need to create a script written in Python or Node.js (JavaScript) to send API requests and fetch data from your Airtable base.
Most scripting languages have libraries that let users connect to PostgreSQL and interact with databases. This allows you to insert the retrieved records into your table.
Remember that API errors, database connection issues, and data formatting issues can occur while running your script(s) to load data from Airtable to PostgreSQL. Make sure you’re prepared to detect any errors and know how to handle them promptly.
So, which method is the best to load data from Airtable to PostgreSQL?
An ETL tool is the most convenient method to connect Airtable to a data warehouse like PostgreSQL. It’s simple, accessible, and free of any hassle. On the other hand, it’s not free of payment 🙂
The manual export works fine for a single purpose. And the custom integration via API only works for masters of code. However, if your goal is to load data to PostgreSQL, then you are probably one of those. Even in this case, you’ll need to spend time to set up the integration and maintain it. With Coupler.io, you won’t have any of these headaches.
Connect Airtable to your destination with Coupler.io
Get started for free