Google announced that Tables, its Airtable-like no-code database and project management tool, would be discontinued effective December 16, 2025.
Why? According to Google: “limited user adoption.” Tables never gained the traction of
competitors like Airtable or Notion databases.
What Tables Was
For those unfamiliar, Tables was Google’s attempt at a no-code database tool:
- Spreadsheet-like interface with database features
- Project tracking workflows
- Automation capabilities
- Part of Google Workspace
It launched as an “Area 120” experiment and never made it to full product status.
Migration Options
Option 1: Google Sheets
The simplest migration path—export Tables data directly to Sheets.
Pros:
- Native Google product
- Data stays in your Google account
- Familiar interface
Cons:
- Loses database-specific features
- No automation without Scripts
- Views not as flexible
How to export:
- Open your Tables workspace
- Click Export
- Select “Google Sheets”
- Data appears in a new Sheet
Option 2: AppSheet
Google’s official recommendation for users needing more power than Sheets.
Pros:
- No-code app building
- Advanced automation
- Mobile apps from your data
- Integrates with Sheets as backend
Cons:
- Learning curve
- More complex than Tables
- Pricing for advanced features
Option 3: Airtable
The most feature-complete Tables alternative.
Pros:
- Mature product with large ecosystem
- Rich field types
- Powerful views and grouping
- Strong automation
Cons:
- Not Google-integrated
- Paid for serious use
- Data outside Google ecosystem
Pricing: Free tier available, paid plans from $10/user/month
Option 4: Notion
If you need databases plus notes and docs.
Pros:
- Databases + documents in one tool
- Flexible page structure
- Good collaboration
- Generous free tier
Cons:
- Less powerful than Airtable for pure database needs
- Can feel overwhelming
- Not Google-integrated
Option 5: Coda
A docs-first tool with powerful database and automation features.
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Strong automation (“Packs”)
- Combines docs and databases
Cons:
- Learning curve
- Smaller ecosystem than Notion/Airtable
Comparison Table
| Alternative | Complexity | Google Integration | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Sheets | Low | Native | Yes |
| AppSheet | Medium-High | Native | Limited |
| Airtable | Medium | Via Zapier | Yes |
| Notion | Medium | Via integrations | Yes |
| Coda | Medium-High | Via Packs | Yes |
My Recommendation
For Simple Needs
Export to Google Sheets. If Tables was working fine for light project management, Sheets will
handle it.
For Power Users
Move to Airtable. It’s the most mature Tables-like product and has features Tables never
developed.
For Google Workspace Teams
Consider AppSheet. More complex, but keeps you in the Google ecosystem with powerful automation.
For All-in-One
Try Notion. If you want docs, notes, and databases together, it’s the best unified platform.
Lessons from This Shutdown
This is a reminder about relying on Google products:
- Google kills products: The “Google Graveyard” is real. Experimental products often get shut
down. - Export your data: Always have an export strategy for cloud tools.
- Evaluate long-term viability: Mature, paid products are often more stable than free
experiments.
RIP Google Tables. You were useful while you lasted.