Anything is Possible in Google Sheets, But Not Everything
You can do anything. You can’t do everything.And I see this same issue in Google Sheets. The possibilities are endlessI get emails every week, almost every day asking “is this possible in Google Sheets?” The answer is always yes. But that’s not what people are actually asking. They want to know how to do the thing they are trying to do. But here are a few things stopping them. Their thing is actually many things. Many steps. Many user inputs and then… and then… something happens automatically. Ah, the word “automatically” I see this word throw around a lot, and I cover it in my new course: spreadsheet Automation 101. There’s so many flavors of “Automatically” that it could be the baskin robbins of spreadsheets. I don’t know if there are actually 31 different variations but there might be. A few variations: show something, based on user interaction. Show something based on user input. Do something every day. Do something every week. Do something at one time and then never again. That’s 5 right there. But back to what’s possible in Google Sheets. Anything is possible. But not everything. You can usually get something done, that you want done, in Google Sheets, but it comes with caveats. Comes with a tax. Google Sheets are a blank slate.It’s just like ripping out a never-ending sheet of paper from your notebook and writing on it. Jotting down numbers,rows,columns, and then being able to save, erase, and rip up that paper. And then add functions to that paper. And then mail it to your coworker instantly in another state, another country, and they can write on that, and add to it. And erase and delete anything. That paper can be big, can be small. That paper can be hooked up to a data stream. That paper can be saved, copied, and shared easily and quickly. Can I not share Sheets?One more thing people ask me if it’s possible to do: not share. I always think to myself: But you’re using Google Sheets. Beyond html it’s the mightiest sharable program on the internet. Literally the best thing since the invention of javascript. Here’s the thing: It IS possible to use Google Sheets and not share. It’s just like literally everything else on the internet. Photos, Video, Text, Ideas. You share them.. They are shared. Sure you can “unshare” a sheet. But you can’t have the immense portability and share-ability of Google Sheets, share a sheet and then expect that someone else can’t / won’t share. I’m sure someone will be able to solve this. I’ve tried to with OnlySheets. That helps you not share a sheet you didn’t intend to share. It adds viewers to a sheet once they’ve paid, and no one else. But still that sheet is shared with that person and that person can make a copy. You can of course turn off that feature in your own sheet. That’s possible. But you cut off saving, downloading.. Editing. The collaborative-ness of sheets.
That is, until someone creates DRM for sheets. Which I’m actively working on. But still no matter what if you do end up sharing and they can only access the sheet and nobody else.. Then you’re probably better off printing a book. Which even a book can be (and is) copied, a lot. Sharing is a Google Sheet super powerWhy do you want to take that away? Why not be collaborative, share what you can, with whom you can. ...Is this possible in Sheets? Yes the answer is always yes. You may have to write some complicated/complex formulas. You might have to write Apps Script. You might have to use a feature. You might have to do some, not all of what you're trying to do. Read it all here: https://blog.bettersheets.co/anything-is-possible-in-google-sheets-but-not-everything/ Better Sheets is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Better Sheets that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. |
Key phrases
Older messages
Public Launch: Tiny Sheets
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Hi Better Sheets Friends and Family, Join 12000 others in using Tiny Sheets. Yes there's already 12000 users. Launching a Free Google Sheets add-on today, publicly. This means everyone can know
Year Progress Clone
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Twitter has chosen to. Charge for their. API. Some Twitter bots are closing down. One of them includes year progress who had a fiery Twitter post about this. And I was reading it. I love seeing the
Redesigning This Copywriting Tool
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Redesigning an infographic to become a spreadsheet. Get the sheet here: Better Than Happy by BetterSheets.co
Saddest email I've ever gotten 🙁
Monday, February 6, 2023
The email reads: "Right now I find scripting is something I *want* to learn, but not something I *need* to learn -- so it gets deprioritized, sadly." This video is my answer. Email
Learn to Love Your Sheets
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Learn to love spreadsheets you make. Learn to love working in Google Sheets. Find out how to fight the oppressive nature of Spreadsheets and make good looking sheets from the start. Just to let you
You Might Also Like
🚿 A story as satisfying as those power washing videos…
Thursday, April 25, 2024
He's building THE biggest power washing business (from Hollywood to washing wood) Can he build the world's biggest power washing business? Hey Contrarians, Whatever preconceived notions you may
One-Day Facebook Groups Promo • Posts Book to 250K+ FB group readers
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Group Posts to 250K Facebook Readers Facebook Reader Group Promos for Authors & Publishers Promote Your Book & Yourself to HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF READERS! If you're looking to have your
[Now I Know Offers] Learn a New Language with Babbel!
Thursday, April 25, 2024
It's a great day to start something new!
3-2-1: How to connect with others, what causes old age, and the recipe for success
Thursday, April 25, 2024
3 ideas, 2 quotes, and 1 question to consider this week.
Ahrefs’ Digest #180: Content marketing conferences, how to be an SEO lead, and more
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Our meme of the week: 📰 News & updates Google confirms links are not that important: No one believes them. Google delays third-party cookie demise yet again: This is the third time Google has
🧙♂️ NEW Partnerships: Phillips 66, La Mexicana, Blue Ribbon, Clicked, and many more [Apr 25]
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Plus secret research on Farm Boy, Upside, and Mack Weldon
Everyone wants growth
Thursday, April 25, 2024
But it needs to be sustainable We have 4 updates for you this week: 1. Unlock Sustainable Growth Everyone wants growth. But to scale your business, you need more – you need sustainable growth.
Meet the “Squishy Love Ball”
Thursday, April 25, 2024
What happens when you show your true colors
The Prison Manual That Was Key To An Escape
Thursday, April 25, 2024
... and why did the let an inmate have jewelry-making equipment?
Fear is Your Companion, Not Your Enemy
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Instead of trying to avoid fear, embrace it as an indicator of the importance of what you are about to share. Writing honestly and authentically means sharing despite fear. View in browser Write of