August 26, 2020
Automate and expand Connected Sheets updates with new APIs, connections, and capabilities
What’s changing
We recently launched Connected Sheets, which connects Google Sheets and BigQuery to help you analyze large datasets using familiar spreadsheet tools. We’re now adding support for macros and APIs to help you automate tasks, as well as providing mobile access. Specifically, you can now use Connected Sheets with:
- Sheets Macro Recorder, to record Apps Script scripts and automate daily tasks.
- Apps Script and the Sheets API, to develop extensions, add-ons, and applications.
- Sheets mobile apps, to view Connected Sheets on Android and iOS.
Who’s impacted
Developers and end users
Why you’d use it
Sheets Macro recorder
You can use the macro recorder to record when to create, edit, delete, and refresh Connected Sheets objects. This generates macros which you can then directly run in Sheets to refresh the data. This can automate common tasks, saving time and reducing errors.
Apps Script and Sheets API
You can use these APIs to write scripts and applications that automate tasks. For example, you can automate CRUD functions for Connected Sheets objects, including sheets, formulas, pivot tables, and extracts. Additionally, you can use the APIs to refresh these objects, as well as to refresh charts.
Mobile app support
You can now view Connected Sheets on mobile devices. You can also copy and paste data from Connected Sheets using the mobile apps. At this stage, you can’t create, edit, or refresh data in Connected Sheets on mobile.
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. Learn more about how to use Connected Sheets in your organization.
- End users and developers:
- Macro recorder in Sheets: Find the tool at Google Sheets > Tools > Macros. Use our Help Center to learn how to use macros to automate tasks in Google Sheets.
- Apps Script and Sheets API: See our guide to using Apps Script and Connected Sheets, the Apps Script spreadsheet service documentation, and the Sheets API documentation.
- Mobile apps: Make sure you’re using the latest versions of the Sheets Android and iOS apps.
Rollout pace
- Rapid and Scheduled Release domains:
- Sheets Macro recorder: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 26, 2020.
- Apps Script: Available now for all users.
- Sheets API: Available in September.
- Android app: Gradual rollout (up top 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 17, 2020. To get access, update to the latest version of the Sheets Android app.
- iOS app: Gradual rollout (up top 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 24, 2020. To get access, update to the latest version of the Sheets iOS app.
Availability
- Connected Sheets is available to G Suite Enterprise, G Suite Enterprise for Education, and G Suite Enterprise Essentials customers
- Connected Sheets is not available to G Suite Basic, G Suite Business, G Suite for Education, G Suite for Nonprofits, and G Suite Essentials customers
Resources
- G Suite Updates blog: Connected Sheets now generally available
- G Suite Admin Help: Use Connected Sheets in your organization
- Google Help: Automate tasks in Google Sheets
- Apps Script documentation: Spreadsheet Service
- Sheets API documentation
- Google Help: Sort & filter BigQuery data in Google Sheets
- Developers: Guide to using Apps Script and Connected Sheets