How to bulk download all Airtable attachments (free methods + one-click)
Airtable has no "download all attachments" button. Here are the free ways to do it (CSV + script, Scripting extension, API) and a one-click option.
Why there is no button
Airtable lets you download one attachment at a time from an expanded record. Its own help center says there is no built-in bulk download in the interface and points to the Scripting extension instead (source). A "Download CSV" of a view gives you file names and temporary links, not the files.
Free method 1: CSV export + a download script
- Open the view, choose Download CSV.
- Within about two hours, run a script that reads each URL from the attachment column and saves the file (wget/curl, PowerShell, or Python).
- Prefix each filename with the record ID so two
invoice.pdffiles do not overwrite each other.
Free method 2: Airtable Scripting extension
Airtable publishes a script (linked from the attachment field article) that generates download commands for a record, view or table. You then run those commands in a terminal before the links expire. Airtable itself notes the script may have limitations, so compare file counts afterwards.
Free method 3: the Web API
Create a personal access token with data.records:read, call List records (100 records per page, follow offset), and download each attachment url right away. Respect the rate limit of 5 requests/second per base; after a 429 wait 30 seconds.
One-click option: BaseDrop
BaseDrop is a Chrome extension that does method 3 for you: pick a base, table and view, and it fetches fresh links and writes the files into a ZIP (split at 500 MB) plus an index.csv. It runs in your browser with your own token; files go from Airtable straight to your disk. The free version handles up to 50 files per export; Pro removes the limit and adds rename templates and whole-base export. Install.
FAQ
Can Airtable export all attachments at once?
Not from the interface. CSV export only contains temporary links; you need a script, the API or an extension to fetch the files.
Does it work with a filtered view?
Yes. The API accepts a view parameter, so only records visible in that view are exported, using the view's filters.
More guides
- How to bulk download all Airtable attachments (free methods + one-click)
- Airtable attachment URLs expire: why, and how to fix it
- Export Airtable attachments into folders (per record, client or project) for Drive or Dropbox
- Rename Airtable attachments when downloading (use field values as file names)
- How to back up an Airtable base including attachment files
Updated 2026-10-23. Airtable is a trademark of Formagrid Inc.; BaseDrop is not affiliated with Airtable.