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Google Sheets

Using Google Sheets as a data source for your Softr app.

Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet solution used by millions worldwide. While it may not be as powerful as Airtable in terms of data management, it is a popular and free tool that many users already rely on. In this guide, we'll walk you through connecting Google Sheets as a data source for your Softr app and discuss some of its advantages and limitations.

1. Connecting your Google Sheets account

To start using Google Sheets in Softr, you must first connect your account.

  • Click the Connect data source.
  • Select Google Sheets and log in to your account.
  • Check all required permission boxes.
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2. Connect your Google Sheet data to your Softr app

Once your Google Sheets account is connected, you can use it in any Softr application.

Step 1: Connect your data to a dynamic block

To display your data in the app, connect a dynamic block to your Google Sheet.

  1. Go to the Block Source tab and select your GSheet integration.
  1. Select the document you want to connect.
  1. Pick the sheet you want to use.
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Step 2. Mapping Google Sheets columns to Softr field

Google Sheets stores data in a table format, where each column represents a field, and each row is a record. To ensure smooth integration, structure your sheet with:

  • The first row as field names (e.g., "Assignee," "Status," "Description").
  • Data stored in rows under the appropriate column headers.
      • Field names and values on Google Sheets
      Field names and values on Google Sheets

When you connect your board to a block, you can choose which Sheet columns to display and map it to a Softr field. This lets you control how your GSheet data appears in Softr.

Mapping fields from Google Sheets to Softr
Mapping fields from Google Sheets to Softr

Record ID Column

Once you connect a sheet to Softr, a Softr Record ID column is automatically added. This unique ID helps Softr reference records (e.g., linking a List block to a List Details block).

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Ensure you have edit permissions for your Google Sheet so Softr can add and update this column. Do not delete it.

The Record ID column created inside the sheet
The Record ID column created inside the sheet
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Tip: Use Softr Record IDs to link related records across sheets (e.g., setting a "Manager ID" as another user's Softr ID).

Supported Field Types in Softr

Google Sheets doesn’t have built-in field types like Airtable, but you can organize data to match Softr’s supported formats.

Supported Field Types & Workarounds

  • Text – Standard text fields.
  • Number – Whole numbers, decimals, currency.
  • Date & Time – Standard date formats.
  • Checkbox – Use "true" (checked) or "false" (unchecked).
  • Image, File, Video/Audio – Store file URLs.
  • Tag Field – Separate multiple values with commas.
  • Rating – Use integer values from 1 to 5.
  • File Uploads: Google Sheets doesn’t support direct file uploads. Use URLs instead.
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Last updated on March 3, 2025

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