Google Tables Shutdown: What Happens to the Airtable Rival?

Google Tables to Cease Operation

Google Tables, a tool designed for work tracking and positioned as a competitor to Airtable, is scheduled for shutdown.

Users of the application received notification via email this week detailing that support will conclude on December 16, 2025. Google is recommending users either export or migrate their existing data to Google Sheets or AppSheet, based on their individual requirements.

Origins and Initial Success

Introduced in 2020, Tables prioritized streamlining project tracking through the implementation of automation features.

The application originated from Google’s internal incubator program, Area 120, which was dedicated to the development of numerous experimental projects.

Several of these initiatives ultimately transitioned into integral components of Google’s core product suite, spanning Cloud, Search, Shopping, and other areas.

Tables demonstrated early promise, officially becoming a Google Cloud product in 2021 after a successful beta testing phase.

Potential Applications and Key Personnel

Google identified Tables as a viable solution for a diverse range of applications, including:

• Project management
• IT operations
• Customer service tracking
• CRM
• Recruiting
• Product development

The application was initially created by Google employee Tim Gleason, who had been with the company for over ten years.

Gleason subsequently assumed the role of tech lead manager for NotebookLM before announcing his retirement, effective September 2024.

Area 120 Restructuring and Subsequent Changes

Area 120 underwent a significant restructuring in 2022, resulting in the cancellation of half of its projects.

This reorganization also led to a workforce reduction, halving the size of the in-house R&D division.

The remaining division shifted its focus towards AI projects, as stated by Google.

In the following year, Area 120 was ultimately dissolved amidst broader company-wide layoffs, with a limited number of projects being integrated into core Google product areas.

One such project was Aloud, which focused on video dubbing tools. YouTube subsequently launched an auto-dubbing feature in 2023, expanding its availability this year.

Transition and Data Migration Options

Despite these changes, Tables had persisted as part of the Google Workspace team under Google Cloud.

However, the service now faces its own discontinuation date.

Google advises Tables administrators to export their data to either Google Sheets for continued workflow management utilizing tables and conditional notifications.

Alternatively, users can leverage a new migration tool to import their data into AppSheet, Google’s no-code platform.

This latter option preserves data formatting, including column types and relationships, and enables workflow management through automations, granular permissions, and Workspace integrations.

New Data Experience in AppSheet

Google announced the impending closure of Tables on its website earlier this month, directing users to a frequently asked questions page.

The FAQ detailed that the team behind Tables has developed a new data experience to facilitate automated apps and workflows directly within AppSheet.

Launched in June 2023, this alternative allows users to construct data models for custom applications and workflows directly within the AppSheet environment.