Migration snapshot
ActivePlatform
a Baserow
Dutch-based, MIT core (genuinely permissive); 150,000+ users; backed by Inkef Capital, Seedcamp, and Frontline Ventures (EuropeanStack 2026). GDPR/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliant. Added AI assistant 'Kuma' and migrated from GitLab to GitHub. Premium and enterprise features are proprietary.
Typical timeline
4–8 weeks
Typical cost
$13K–$25K (agency, fixed)
Why teams leave a Baserow
Baserow is genuinely good at what it does — a no-vendor-lock-in Airtable alternative with real GDPR-by-default posture. Teams migrate when their use case has outgrown the spreadsheet data paradigm.
Advanced views gated to Premium
Kanban, Calendar, and Survey views require Premium at ~$12/user/month. For teams that rely on these views, costs scale directly with headcount and make the free MIT self-host effectively incomplete for their workflow.
SSO and audit logs gated to Enterprise
Any procurement requiring SSO hits an Enterprise sales conversation. Teams at companies with SSO mandates cannot use Baserow without Enterprise pricing — regardless of their actual feature needs.
Baserow is a database interface, not an app framework
Baserow excels at shared-database, multi-view workflows. Teams that need custom API routes, server-side business logic, file processing, or complex auth flows are working against the platform's design intent.
No built-in server-side logic layer
Baserow exposes REST and WebSocket APIs but provides no server-side business logic. Complex workflows require external automation (n8n, Zapier) — adding integration complexity that a proper API layer would eliminate.
Self-host stack is heavier than alternatives
Self-hosting Baserow requires Django + Nuxt + PostgreSQL + Redis + Celery — five processes to maintain. PocketBase or a simple Next.js + Supabase setup has lower operational overhead for most teams.
What can you actually take with you?
Baserow's data portability is a first-class design principle — MIT core, PostgreSQL backend, and Airtable-import-as-a-feature signal that vendor lock-in avoidance is intentional. Data leaves cleanly; view UI does not.
| Asset | Can you export it? | How | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data | Yes | Export via Baserow UI (Table → Export → CSV) or Baserow REST API for programmatic bulk export. If self-hosted, direct PostgreSQL access means a standard pg_dump is also available. | Explicit MIT no-vendor-lock-in positioning. Airtable import feature proves data portability is a first-class Baserow value. |
| Code | Partial | MIT core is on GitHub — self-hostable, forkable, and customizable. Custom plugins written in Python/Django are standard portable code. The Baserow application layer (UI, views) does not export as runnable code. | Your custom plugins are portable; the Baserow platform itself is not a code-export target. |
| Design/UI | No | Baserow's spreadsheet UI is the platform's own interface. Your custom frontend application is separate code you own. | The view layer (Grid, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery) must be rebuilt as custom React components — this is the primary migration cost. |
| Logic/Workflows | No | Baserow has no built-in server-side logic layer. Automations are external (Zapier/n8n integrations with the Baserow API). There is nothing proprietary to export here. | External automations continue to work against the new API — update webhook URLs at cutover. |
| Users & Auth | Partial | User records live in your own PostgreSQL database (self-hosted) and are exportable via pg_dump. Baserow Cloud manages the instance; export user data via API before account termination. | Password hash export is NOT documented — plan a forced password reset for all users migrating to the new auth provider. |
| External Automations (n8n / Zapier) | Yes | Automations hit the Baserow REST API. After migration, update the webhook target URLs to the new API endpoints — the automation logic itself doesn't change. | Inventory every Zapier zap and n8n workflow hitting the Baserow API before cutover; each URL changes. |
Swipe the table sideways to see the full breakdown.
Where each piece moves in code
The target stack is Next.js (App Router) + Supabase (PostgreSQL). Baserow's PostgreSQL backend makes this a particularly low-friction data migration — field types map directly to SQL.
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Baserow tables (PostgreSQL backend)
In code
Supabase / PostgreSQL tables
Already PostgreSQL if self-hosted; CSV or API export if cloud. Baserow field types map fairly directly to SQL column types.
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Baserow REST API
In code
Supabase auto-generated REST API or Next.js API Routes with Drizzle/Prisma
Supabase auto-generates REST from your schema; custom business logic moves to Next.js API Routes.
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Baserow Grid view
In code
Custom React data table component (AG Grid or TanStack Table)
AG Grid and TanStack Table offer equivalent feature depth for sorting, filtering, and column management.
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Baserow Kanban view
In code
Custom Kanban component (react-beautiful-dnd or similar)
Kanban is gated to Premium in Baserow — if you're migrating partly to avoid this cost, the React rebuild is a one-time investment.
a Baserow
Baserow Gallery and Calendar views
In code
Custom React Gallery and Calendar components
Standard React component libraries (FullCalendar, Mantine, etc.) cover these use cases; expect 1–2 weeks per view for custom implementation.
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Baserow Forms
In code
Next.js form with react-hook-form + zod + Supabase insert
Standard form pattern; add email notification via Resend or SendGrid if Baserow's form email feature was in use.
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External automations (Zapier/n8n)
In code
Keep as-is, update API target URLs — OR migrate triggers to Supabase Edge Functions
Existing automations continue working; only the API endpoint URLs change at cutover.
The migration roadmap
A 4–8 week migration where the data move is low-friction (CSV or direct Postgres dump) and the view-layer rebuild is the primary cost. Inventory all views and their active usage before sizing the project.
Audit & Export
3–5 days- Export all tables via CSV (Baserow UI → Table → Export) or Baserow REST API
- Document all views in use per table: Grid, Gallery, Kanban, Calendar, Form
- List all external automations: every Zapier zap and n8n workflow hitting the Baserow API
- Note all custom plugins installed (self-hosted) and verify each has a Next.js equivalent
- Inventory all form submissions and their destinations (email, webhook, connected table)
Watch out: If on Baserow Cloud, export the full DB dump independently before starting migration — don't rely on CSV exports alone; verify data integrity row counts.
Schema & Data Migration
3–5 days- Convert Baserow field types to PostgreSQL DDL (Baserow fields map fairly directly to SQL types)
- Import data to Supabase via CSV import or direct psql if using a Postgres-to-Postgres migration
- Apply Supabase RLS policies to mirror Baserow's access controls
- Validate row counts and spot-check data integrity across all tables
UI Rebuild
2–4 weeks- Build Grid view replacement (AG Grid or TanStack Table) — this is usually the baseline data display
- Build Kanban component if actively used (react-beautiful-dnd; 1–2 weeks)
- Build Calendar view if actively used (FullCalendar or similar; 1–2 weeks)
- Build Gallery view if actively used
- Rebuild forms with react-hook-form + zod + Supabase insert
Watch out: The UI-layer rebuild is the primary cost center. Inventory which views are actively used before sizing — building all four views for a project that only uses Grid and Forms is wasteful.
Automation Rewiring & Auth Cutover
3–5 days- Update every Zapier and n8n webhook URL to the new API endpoints
- Import user records from PostgreSQL dump to Supabase Auth or Clerk
- Prepare password-reset campaign for all active users
- Survey users relying on Calendar/Kanban views — these have the longest rebuild timeline and need UAT
Parallel Run & Cutover
3–5 days- Run both backends simultaneously; verify data parity and form submissions
- Switch frontend to new API endpoints and test all view functionality
- Switch DNS and deprecate Baserow workspace
- Monitor error rates for 48 hours post-cutover
Three ways to migrate — honestly
Every path has a real trade-off. Here is what each costs, how long it takes, and where it bites.
DIY (self-directed with AI tools)
$0–500 + time
2–4 months part-time
Fits
Developers who only need Grid/Form views and have a simple automation setup. Baserow's PostgreSQL backend and MIT license make the data move the easiest part.
Risks
Kanban and Calendar view rebuilds require real React component work. Underestimating view-layer scope is the most common DIY failure mode on this migration.
Freelancer
$3K–8K
4–8 weeks
Fits
Teams with straightforward view requirements and an internal developer available to own ongoing maintenance of the new stack.
Risks
View-rebuild scope can expand quickly when users expect feature parity. Get explicit sign-off on which views are in scope before work begins.
Agency (RapidDev)
Done-for-you$13K–25K fixed
4–8 weeks
Fits
Teams that need Kanban, Calendar, and Gallery views rebuilt with production-quality UX, plus automation rewiring, auth migration, and cutover managed as a single engagement.
Risks
Minimal — fixed price with scope agreed upfront. Free scoping call available at rapidevelopers.com.
The real risks — and how to defuse them
View rebuild scope exceeds estimates
Mitigation: Inventory which views are actively used per table before sizing the project. Building Kanban and Calendar for a project that uses only Grid is common scope creep — include only what users actually rely on.
External automation URLs break at cutover
Mitigation: Document every Zapier zap and n8n workflow that hits the Baserow API. Each webhook URL changes when the backend switches — missing one causes silent automation failures.
Baserow Cloud DB export incomplete
Mitigation: Baserow Cloud manages the PostgreSQL instance. Export the full DB dump independently and verify integrity before beginning migration or account termination. CSV exports alone are not sufficient for complex relational data.
User password reset abandonment
Mitigation: Password hashes are not documented as exportable from Baserow — all users must reset passwords post-cutover. Send password-reset emails before the switch, use magic links, and plan a grace period where both old and new systems overlap to minimize abandonment.
Should you actually migrate?
Migrating is a real project. Sometimes staying is the right call — here is the honest split.
Stay if
- Your team's workflow is genuinely spreadsheet-style — shared database, multiple views, form submissions, collaborative editing — with no need for custom API logic. Baserow's MIT core is excellent at this.
- You need GDPR-by-default with Dutch data residency and your compliance team values European jurisdiction. Baserow's positioning is genuine and well-documented.
- Your budget is zero and you're self-hosting. MIT license, unlimited rows, unlimited users on self-host is a compelling proposition that almost nothing else matches.
- Your team uses Grid and Form views and isn't bumping against Premium view limits — the free tier or a low Starter plan covers the actual workflow.
Migrate if
- You've outgrown the spreadsheet data model and need relational data with foreign keys, complex joins, server-side business logic, and custom API routes.
- SSO is a procurement requirement and Enterprise pricing is out of budget — this is a hard blocker with no workaround on Baserow.
- Your use case needs a real application framework (custom auth flows, file handling, API versioning) rather than a database interface.
Our honest verdict
Baserow is a healthy, low-lock-in platform. The MIT license and PostgreSQL backend make migration lower-friction than most BaaS options. Migrate when your data model and application complexity exceed the spreadsheet paradigm — not before.
Do this today: pre-migration checklist
Whatever path you choose, protect yourself first. Work through this before you touch a line of code.
Export all tables via CSV or Baserow REST API
Creates your full data migration inventory; verify row counts against your Baserow table stats before proceeding.
Document all views in use per table
Grid, Gallery, Kanban, Calendar, and Form views each have different rebuild costs. This inventory is the primary sizing input for your migration budget.
List all external automations hitting the Baserow API
Every Zapier zap and n8n workflow URL changes at cutover. Missing one causes silent automation failures that are hard to diagnose after the fact.
Note all custom plugins installed (self-hosted) and verify replacements
Community plugins that rely on Baserow-specific APIs don't migrate automatically — identify gaps before scoping.
Export full DB dump independently if on Baserow Cloud
Baserow Cloud manages the PostgreSQL instance. CSV exports alone miss relational integrity; a proper dump is essential before account termination.
Inventory all form submissions and their destinations
Email notifications, webhook targets, and connected table writes from Baserow forms must be rebuilt individually in the new stack.
Survey users relying on Calendar and Kanban views
These have the longest rebuild timeline. Early user input prevents UAT surprises and helps prioritize feature parity requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I export my Baserow data?
Yes — completely. Export via CSV from the Baserow UI (Table → Export) or via the Baserow REST API for programmatic export. If you're self-hosted, you have direct PostgreSQL access for a full pg_dump. Baserow's MIT no-vendor-lock-in positioning makes data portability a first-class feature.
Is Baserow shutting down?
No. As of mid-2026, Baserow is an actively funded, MIT-licensed platform trusted by 150,000+ users, backed by Inkef Capital, Seedcamp, and Frontline Ventures. The migration case is about outgrowing the spreadsheet data model — not platform survival.
What happens to my users' passwords during migration?
Password hash export from Baserow is not documented. Plan a forced password-reset campaign for all active users. Export user email addresses from your PostgreSQL dump and prepare magic-link or password-reset emails to send at cutover.
How long does a Baserow migration take?
Typically 4–8 weeks. The data migration phase is fast (CSV or direct Postgres export). The timeline is driven by which views your team uses: Grid-only projects can complete in 3–4 weeks; projects requiring Kanban, Calendar, and Gallery rebuilds can fill the 8-week end of the range.
Can I keep my n8n and Zapier automations?
Yes. Your existing automations continue to work after migration — only the API endpoint URLs change. Document every Zapier zap and n8n workflow that hits the Baserow API before cutover, and update the target URLs at switch time. The automation logic itself doesn't change.
What's the target stack after migrating from Baserow?
Next.js (App Router) + Supabase (PostgreSQL) is the standard target. Baserow tables migrate to Supabase tables; the Baserow REST API is replaced by Supabase auto-generated REST or custom API Routes; views are rebuilt as React components; forms become react-hook-form + zod + Supabase inserts.
Why would I migrate from Baserow if it's MIT-licensed and has no lock-in?
The MIT license and low lock-in are exactly why migration is low-risk rather than unnecessary. Teams migrate because Baserow's spreadsheet data model and view-based UI don't serve application use cases — custom auth flows, complex API logic, and relational joins are all better served by a proper app framework. Baserow is an excellent tool; it's just not an app framework.
How much does a Baserow migration cost if I hire an agency?
RapidDev offers fixed-price Baserow migrations at $13K–$25K over 4–8 weeks, including data migration, view-layer rebuild (Grid, Kanban, Calendar, Gallery as scoped), automation rewiring, auth migration, and cutover. Free scoping call at rapidevelopers.com to determine exactly which views are in scope.
We migrate no-code apps to production code
- Fixed price — $13K–$25K (agency, fixed)
- No data loss, no downtime
- You own 100% of the code
30-min call. Quote within 48 hours.