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. Google Sheets is available on all plans, including Free.
1. Connecting your Google Sheets account
To start using Google Sheets in Softr, you must first connect your account.
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Open the Integrations page in the Studio sidebar.
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Click Connect new.
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Select Google Sheets. The Connect to Google Sheets window opens.
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Click Connect, then log in to your Google account.
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Check all required permission boxes.
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.
Connect your data to a dynamic block
To display your data in the app, connect a dynamic block to your Google Sheet.
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Go to the block Source tab and select your Google Sheets account.
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Select the Document you want to connect.
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Select the Sheet you want to use.
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:
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The first row as field names (e.g., “Assignee,” “Status,” “Description”).
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Data stored in rows under the appropriate column headers.
Field names and values on Google Sheets
When you connect a block to a sheet, you can choose which sheet columns to display and map each one to a Softr field. In the block’s Content tab, click an item field, such as Photo, to change how it displays. An image field needs a column that holds image URLs.
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).
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
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Text: Standard text fields.
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Number: Whole numbers, decimals, currency.
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Date & Time: Standard date formats. See below for supported formats:
Supported Date and Time Formats
Date patterns with month as whole or 3 letter (August, Aug) - Currently only English language is supported.
MMMM d, yyyy MMMM dd, yyyy yyyy MMM d yyyy MMM dd dd-MMM-yyyDate patterns with month as numberSupported separators:
-,/,.,spaceyyyy MM dd yyyy MM d yyyy M dd yyyy M d MM dd yyyy MM d yyyy M dd yyyy M d yyyy dd yyyy MM d yyyy MM dd yyyy M d yyyy MDate timeDate part is same (both formats), times
hh:mm a hh:mma hh:mm:ss a hh:mm:ssa hh:mm:ss.SSS a hh:mm:ss.SSSa h:mm a h:mma h:mm:ss a h:mm:ssa h:mm:ss.SSS a h:mm:ss.SSSa HH:mm HH:mm:ss HH:mm:ss.SSS H:mm H:mm:ss H:mm:ss.SSS HH:mmZ HH:mm:ssZ HH:mm:ss.SSSZ H:mmZ H:mm:ssZ H:mm:ss.SSSZHere are few samples for time
01:24:41 AM 01:24:41AM 23:24:41 01:24 AM 01:24AM 16:24 01:24:41Z 01:24:41+03:00Date and time combined is
Date formatTTime formatlike1994-11-05T08:15:30-05:00 1994-11-05T13:15:30Z -
Checkbox: Use “true” (checked) or “false” (unchecked).
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Image, File, Video/Audio: Store file URLs. If storing multiple image URLs in the same cell, separate them with a comma
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Tag Field: Separate multiple values with commas.
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Rating: Use integer values from 1 to 5.
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File Uploads: Google Sheets doesn’t support direct file uploads. Use URLs instead.