Essential Rules for Reliable Data Transfer to Google Sheets: Avoid common pitfalls with filters, formulas, and sheet c configurations.
Rules for Transferring Data to Google Sheets with Flows
To successfully transfer data to Google Sheets, it is important to adhere to specific guidelines. Failing to do so may lead to issues such as incomplete data transfer, data being misplaced in the top row, or even the absence of data altogether.
Prohibited Actions in the Target Sheet:
- No Filters: Do not apply filters to columns receiving data.
- Limit Formulas: Do not use formulas in columns receiving data (e.g., Column A). Formulas are allowed in other columns like E. See section here.
- No Hiding Rows/Columns: Keep all rows and columns visible.
- Do Not Rename Sheets: Renaming a sheet will break the automation until you update the connection.
- No Special Characters: Sheet names must only contain letters and numbers.
- Avoid Cell Protection: Disabling cell editing interferes with data transfer.
- No Row Deletion: If you need to remove a row that has already been populated by your Flow, do not delete it entirely. Instead, fill the cells in that row with dashes to maintain the integrity of the data transfer process.
- Headers Must Stay Intact: Keep the header (Row 1, Column A) intact. Renaming is allowed, but deleting stops data transfers.
- Sequential Row Filling: Only fill the next available row (e.g., if rows 1–20 are filled, start with row 21). Filling ahead disrupts data transmission.
- Unique Sheets per Source: Each data source should have its own dedicated sheet.
To facilitate data transfer, it is essential to establish a dedicated technical sheet. This sheet should be structured in a specific manner to ensure functionality. Here's an example:
Here's an example sheet that is not suitable for data transfer:
Advanced Setup:
For complex setups (e.g., when using filters and formulas), an alternative is to create two sheets:
- A technical sheet (first example above) to receive data from Flows.
- A second sheet to process data with filters and formulas using the
=IMPORTRANGEfunction for real-time duplication.
This setup allows you to maintain a straightforward sheet for data transmission while having a second sheet that mirrors all data in real time. In this second sheet, you have the flexibility to apply formulas, filters, and other functionalities as needed.
To implement this, simply enter the following formula in the first row beneath each column: =IMPORTRANGE("table reference", "sheet name!cell range").