airtable-overview — Codex skill: the Airtable data model
This skill gives the agent context on how Airtable is structured: bases, tables, fields, records, views, automations and interfaces. Useful before writing code against a base.
npx skills add openai/plugins --skill airtable-overview -a codexWhat airtable-overview does
The skill hands the agent a plain description of the Airtable data model. It walks the levels: a base as the top-level container, tables inside it, typed fields defined on every record, records with their own IDs, and views that filter, sort and group records without touching the underlying data.
Automations and interfaces get their own sections. An automation fires on a trigger, such as a record entering a view, and runs actions. Interfaces are app-like pages built on top of base data, and some users reach a base only through them — they cannot read or edit the tables directly. Worth knowing if the agent is generating queries.
Nothing runs on its own here; it is reference material. Install goes through npx skills add, and the file lands at .agents/skills/airtable-overview/SKILL.md.
What it helps with
- explain the difference between a base, a table and a view to the agent
- work out why an interface hides the tables underneath
- describe fields and records before writing a query
- tell an automation apart from a view
Example prompts for the agent
- explain how bases and tables are structured in Airtable
- what are Airtable interfaces and who can see them
- how do trigger-based automations work in Airtable
How to install airtable-overview
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add openai/plugins --skill airtable-overview -a codex2Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/airtable-overview/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add openai/plugins --skill airtable-overview -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/airtable-overview/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/airtable-overview/
Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/airtable-overview/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install openai/plugins airtable-overview2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/airtable-overview/SKILL.mdPlatform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/openai/plugins --path plugins/airtable/skills/airtable-overviewManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/airtable-overview/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Claude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
Step by step, with commands for each platform: Codex skills: how to install, where they live, how to call them
Questions about airtable-overview
How do I install airtable-overview in Claude?
Run npx skills add openai/plugins --skill airtable-overview -a codex. The skill file then sits at .agents/skills/airtable-overview/SKILL.md.
What does airtable-overview do?
It explains the Airtable data model to the agent: bases, tables, fields, records, views, automations and interfaces. Handy when you need context before touching a base.
Who can see the data in an Airtable base?
Some users only reach a base through its interfaces and cannot read or modify the underlying tables. The skill covers this.
Source text
SKILL.md · MIT
--- name: airtable-overview description: Explains what Airtable is and how data is structured — bases, tables, fields, records, views, automations, and interfaces. Use when you need context about the Airtable data model. license: MIT metadata: version: '1.0.0' author: airtable --- # Airtable Overview Airtable is a no-code platform where teams build custom applications and AI-powered workflows from structured data. Users organize their data into bases, define tables with typed fields, set up automations to act on changes, and create interfaces that give different audiences tailored views of the same data. ## Data model ### Bases A base is an Airtable database. It is the top-level container for all related data. A base contains one or more tables. ### Tables A table is a collection of structured data within a base, similar to a sheet in a spreadsheet or a table in a relational database. Each table has a defined set of fields and contains records. ### Fields A field defines a named, typed property on every record in a table. ### Records A record is a single entry in a table. Each record has a unique ID and stores a cell value for each field defined on that table. ### Views A view is a saved configuration for how to display records in a table. Views can filter, sort, group, and hide fields without changing the underlying data. Multiple views can exist on the same table, each showing the data differently. ## Automations An automation is a workflow that runs in response to a defined trigger (e.g. a record entering a view) and executes one or more actions (e.g. sending an email or updating a record). ## Interfaces Interfaces are custom app-like pages built on top of base data. They provide tailored, user-friendly ways to view and interact with records without exposing the full base structure or all of its data. A base can have multiple interfaces, each designed for a specific workflow or audience. Some users can only access a base through its interfaces and cannot read or modify the underlying tables directly.
© airtable · MIT · openai/plugins
