.arexport — Airtable Export File
Airtable · 2012
An .arexport file is a proprietary Airtable format for backing up and transferring table data.
Key Features
- Captures Airtable table data, including records and fields.
- Facilitates data backup and transfer within Airtable.
- Preserves relationships between records where applicable.
- Proprietary format specific to the Airtable platform.
Best For
- Users who primarily work within the Airtable ecosystem.
- Needing a quick, self-contained backup of Airtable data.
- Transferring complete tables with their structure to another Airtable base.
Less Ideal For
- Sharing data with users who don't use Airtable.
- Creating reports or analyses outside of Airtable.
- Archiving data for long-term, platform-independent access.
- Integrating with other software that doesn't support direct Airtable import.
Common Use Cases
- Creating a backup of your Airtable base.
- Migrating data from one Airtable base to another.
- Sharing a dataset with another Airtable user for import.
- Archiving historical project data.
How to Open It
- In Airtable, navigate to the table you want to export and select 'Export table'.
- Choose the '.arexport' format from the available export options.
- To import, go to the workspace or base you want to add data to, click the '+' next to your tables, and select 'Import data' or 'Import table'.
- Choose the '.arexport' file and follow the prompts to import.
What is a .arexport file?
An .arexport file is a proprietary format used by Airtable to save and share data from your tables. It's essentially a snapshot of your database records, including their fields and relationships, created specifically to allow users to back up their information or transfer it between Airtable accounts. While it's designed for Airtable's ecosystem, it facilitates data portability within that platform. Think of it as a specialized backup or transfer file for your Airtable projects.
Programs That Open .arexport Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Airtable | Free | Official |
| macOS | Airtable | Free | Official |
| Android | Airtable | Free | Official |
| iOS | Airtable | Free | Official |
| Web Browser | Airtable | Free | Official |
How to Convert .arexport Files
| Format | Method |
|---|---|
| .CSV | Airtable export function |
| .JSON | Airtable export function |
| .XLSX | Airtable export function |
Common Problems with .arexport Files
Frequently Asked Questions
No, .arexport is a proprietary Airtable format and cannot be opened directly by spreadsheet applications. You must import it into Airtable first.
.arexport is for transferring data *between* Airtable accounts or bases, preserving more Airtable-specific structure. CSV is a universal format best for sharing data with other software or for simpler data exchange.
While it serves as a backup, it's not ideal for long-term, platform-independent archiving. Standard formats like CSV or JSON are generally better for future accessibility.
Technical Details
The .arexport format is a structured binary file containing serialized Airtable data. It's not a plain text or a widely compatible data exchange format like CSV or JSON, but rather an internal format optimized for Airtable's specific data model and features. The exact internal structure is not publicly documented by Airtable.