Mapping Google Docs Variables with Linked Records in Airtable

Access fields from linked records directly in your Google Docs templates - no rollup fields required.

Overview

When you have linked records in Airtable, TypeFlow gives you the flexibility to select which fields to display from those linked records. You can:

  • Access any field from the linked record (not just the primary field)
  • Navigate up to 3 levels of linked records
  • Eliminate rollup fields for simple data retrieval

Default Behavior

When you map a variable to a linked record field, TypeFlow automatically selects the primary field of that linked record.

A breadcrumb selector appears below the field dropdown, showing your current selection:

↳ Client → Name

This breadcrumb makes it easy to see exactly which field will be used in your generated document.

Select a Different Field

To select a different field from the linked record:

  1. Select the linked record field from the dropdown
  2. Click the breadcrumb that appears below

That's it - just 2 clicks to access any field from a linked table.

The breadcrumb dropdown shows all available fields from the linked table. Linked record fields are marked with an icon and arrow (→), allowing you to navigate deeper.

Inline linked field selector showing breadcrumb navigation

Multi-Level Linked Records

If a linked record contains another linked record, you can continue navigating deeper. TypeFlow supports up to 3 levels of nested linked records.

How it works

  1. Select a linked record field - the breadcrumb appears
  2. Click the breadcrumb and select another linked record field (marked with 🔗)
  3. Continue navigating up to 3 levels deep

Data Structure Example

Invoice
  └── Client (linked record)         ← Level 1
        └── Company (linked record)  ← Level 2
              └── Company Name       ← Level 3

The breadcrumb shows your full path:

↳ Client → Company → Company Name

Example

Scenario

You have three tables:

TableContains
InvoicesLinked field to Clients
ClientsLinked field to Companies
CompaniesCompany Name, Address, etc.

Goal

On an invoice document, display the Company Name of the client.

Solution

  1. In your Google Doc template, add: {{company_name}}
  2. In TypeFlow mapping:
    • Select Client (linked record) - breadcrumb shows: ↳ Client → [Primary Field]
    • Click the breadcrumb, select Company (linked record)
    • Click again, select Company Name
    • Final breadcrumb: ↳ Client → Company → Company Name

No rollup fields needed in Airtable!

FAQ

What is returned by default from a linked record?

When you select a linked record field, TypeFlow automatically selects the primary field and displays it in a breadcrumb. You can click the breadcrumb to change it to any other field.

How many levels deep can I go?

You can navigate up to 3 levels deep through linked records. For example: Invoice → Client → Company → Company Name.

Do I still need rollup fields?

No. TypeFlow can access fields from linked records directly, eliminating the need for rollup fields in many cases.

What if I have multiple linked records?

If a field links to multiple records, the values will be concatenated. For detailed control over multiple linked records, use Line Items.

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