Airtable CSV export or Solid Backup?
Compare a manual CSV download with native .xlsx files and bulk attachment downloads without scripts. Both methods can save files locally; choose the workflow that fits your work.
Compare the export workflows
This compares Airtable’s native grid-view CSV download with Solid Backup. Airtable also has other features and integrations; those are outside this comparison.
Scroll sideways to compare both options.
| What you need | Airtable CSV download | Solid Backup |
|---|---|---|
| File format | CSV; convert it in Excel for .xlsx | Native .xlsx, CSV and JSON |
| Scope | One view download at a time | Export plans for selected Airtable bases |
| Linked records | Check the field values in the exported view | Readable linked-record names and values |
| Attachment files | Filenames and URLs in the CSV; download files separately | Files downloaded alongside your exported data |
| Repeat downloads | Run the view download manually | Daily, weekly or monthly schedules in the app |
| Local destination | Downloaded CSV on your computer | Export destination folder on your PC or Mac |
| Archive encryption | Use a separate archive tool after download | Optional AES-256 encryption via 7-Zip |
| Price | Native download, subject to Airtable access and permissions | $9.99 one-time desktop-app purchase |
When Airtable’s CSV download is enough
Use the built-in download when you need an occasional table and are comfortable checking the view, saving the CSV and opening it in Excel. You do not need Solid Backup for that workflow.
Before downloading, check which fields and records the view exposes. If you need files from attachment fields, download those separately while their URLs remain available. Save the result as an Excel workbook if that is the format your colleagues need.
When Solid Backup is a better fit
Choose a desktop app when you repeatedly need formatted .xlsx files, readable linked-record values, attachment files and a repeatable export plan. Solid Backup saves the result directly to your computer and can run the plan on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule.
For bulk attachment downloads without scripts, the app handles retrieving the actual files alongside the workbook. For Excel reports, it removes the manual CSV-conversion step. Those saved steps are the convenience benefit; download duration still depends on the data and connection.
Both native CSV downloads and Solid Backup can save data locally. Solid Backup also lets you export to .xlsx and download attachment files without routing the exported data through a Solid Backup cloud-storage service.
Optional archive encryption is useful when the stored copy needs a password. It protects the archive, rather than enabling Excel’s workbook-password feature on each extracted file.
Scheduled runs still depend on the computer being on, the app running and Airtable being reachable. An export is a point-in-time copy, not a live two-way connection between Excel and Airtable.
Try the workflow on a familiar table
Choose a table with a date, a linked record and an attachment. Check the exported values in Excel and open the downloaded file. That small test is more useful than assuming either workflow will fit every base without review.
Follow the step-by-step Excel guide for both methods. If you need regular recovery copies as well, read how to back up Airtable locally.
Sources & scope
Checked on October 27, 2026 against Airtable’s view export documentation and table download instructions. Solid Backup publishes this comparison and describes its own features. Airtable features and permissions can change.