Copying data between bases by hand means retyping it, re-copying it every time it changes, and hoping nobody forgets to update every copy.
Syncing a table from one base into another does the same job automatically: the data lands in a read-only table that refreshes on its own, so every team is working from the same numbers.
Note: Data sync is available on the Starter, Basic, Pro, and Enterprise plans. The Basic plan is limited to specific countries and regions.
What Syncing a Table Does
You choose the base, table, and view to pull data from, then decide whether to sync everything or only specific fields, and whether updates should sync automatically.
The resulting table can’t be edited or have records added or deleted directly, but you can add new fields to it, or remove the sync entirely to turn it into an ordinary, editable table.
Practical Use Cases for SMEs and Startups
- Unified management: Keep one base as the master record of key data, with each department syncing only what it needs into its own base.
- Data aggregation: Pull data from several teams’ bases into a single master base for combined reporting and analysis.
- Data segregation: Share only the fields relevant to a report or presentation, keeping the rest of the source data out of view.
Setting Up a Sync
Note: You need manage permission for the base to see this option.
Open the base, click New in the lower-left corner, then select Import/Sync Data, then Integration Center. Find Lark Base in the pop-up, hover over it, and click Use.
Under Parameter settings, select the base, table, and view you want to sync from. You can type keywords to search for each one.
Note: To sync only part of a table, filter and save a view in the source table first, then select that view here. Private views can’t be selected. If the source base doesn’t have advanced permissions turned on, you need permission to copy its content to select it; if it does have advanced permissions on, you need manage permission instead.
Then configure the Field and Data Sync options: choose which fields to bring across under Field range, decide whether fields added to the source table later should be included automatically, and turn Sync setup on if you want updates to sync automatically every hour rather than manually. Click Create once everything is set.
Managing an Existing Sync
Once set up, the synced view appears as a new table in the left navigation bar, marked with a lightning bolt icon, named after the source table by default.
Synced fields carry the same icon, and their content and field type can’t be edited or deleted, though you can still rename the table, duplicate it, or add new fields of your own.
Note: Duplicating a synced table produces an ordinary table. Its content becomes fully editable and stops syncing with the source.
Click the synced table, then the More actions icon beside its name, to reach every management option in one place.
Sync Data pulls the latest changes from the source immediately. With advanced permissions off, anyone with manage or edit permission can do this; with advanced permissions on, only manage permission holders can.
Sync Setup opens the same configuration screen from the initial setup, letting you change which fields sync or turn automatic sync on or off. Click Configure to adjust fields, then Save and Sync to apply the changes. The base, table, and view can’t be changed here; set up a new sync instead if you need a different source. Only manage permission holders can change these settings.
Remove Sync turns the table into an ordinary one, keeping the data already synced but ending the connection to the source. This can’t be undone, and only manage permission holders can do it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What bases am I allowed to sync data from?
If the source base doesn’t have advanced permissions turned on, you need permission to copy its content. If it does, you need manage permission for that base instead.
Is there a limit on how many rows can be synced between bases?
You can sync up to the record limit of the destination table.
Which field types aren’t supported when syncing?
Flow fields and button fields can’t be synced. Numbering, lookup, one-way link, and two-way link fields are all converted to text in the synced table. Formula fields take on whatever type matches the formula’s output, or text if nothing else applies.
Can I edit the data in a synced table?
No. You can’t edit or delete its data, add or remove records, or create a form view from it.
What happens to synced data if I delete the source base?
The data already in the synced table stays intact, but you won’t be able to pull any further updates from that source.
Why does the edit history show Base Assistant deleting records in a synced table?
Usually because the matching records were deleted in the source table, or a filter in the source view now excludes records that used to be included, and the synced table follows suit.
Why does automatic sync sometimes slow down or stop on its own?
If the base holding the synced table hasn’t been opened in over 10 days, hourly sync drops to once every 24 hours. After 30 days without a visit, automatic sync turns off entirely. Reopen it via More actions, then Sync Setup, then turn Automatic sync (every hour) back on.
Keeping Every Team on the Same Numbers
A synced table trades a small amount of flexibility, since you can’t edit it directly, for a much bigger win: nobody has to remember to copy the latest numbers across manually, and everyone downstream is looking at the same data the source team maintains.
Ready to Power Your Business with Lark?
Lark Base is just one part of an all-in-one platform that brings messaging, meetings, documents, approvals, and automations together for your entire team.
As the Platinum Partner for Lark in Malaysia, Exabytes offers tailored Lark plans, hands-on onboarding, and dedicated local support to help your team keep data consistent across every base.
