Airtable vs Vector Express v2.0

Airtable pairs a spreadsheet-style grid with a full relational database and automation engine, and exposes every base through a REST API for reading, writing, and querying records programmatically. Classic API keys were retired in February 2024 in favor of scoped personal access tokens and OAuth2 apps, both still authenticated as bearer tokens. The free plan includes real API access (rate-limited to 5 requests/second per base), with paid tiers raising throughput rather than gating access.

Vector Express chains together open-source conversion engines (Ghostscript, UniConvertor, libcdr, hp2xx, and others) to translate vector graphics across CAD and illustration formats including AI, DWG, DXF, EPS, and SVG. The core API is free under shared rate limits, while a pay-as-you-go tier removes those limits and raises the file-size ceiling; it sends no CORS headers, so browser calls need a server-side proxy.