Using Apps Script to Automate Tasks in Google Sheets

Google Apps Script is a powerful tool that lets you write code to automate tasks in Google Sheets. Whether you're sending emails, organizing data, or connecting with other Google services, Apps Script helps you supercharge your spreadsheets.

🚀 What is Google Apps Script?

Google Apps Script is a cloud-based scripting language for light-weight application development. Based on JavaScript, it allows you to automate actions across Google Workspace apps like Sheets, Docs, Gmail, Calendar, and more.

⚙️ How to Access Apps Script in Google Sheets

1. Open any Google Sheet.
2. Click Extensions > Apps Script.
3. This opens the Script Editor in a new tab where you can start coding.

🧪 Your First Script: Auto Timestamp

This simple script adds a timestamp in column B whenever a value is entered in column A.

function onEdit(e) {
  var sheet = e.source.getActiveSheet();
  var range = e.range;
  if (range.getColumn() == 1 && range.getValue() !== '') {
    sheet.getRange(range.getRow(), 2).setValue(new Date());
  }
}

📨 Automate Email Alerts

You can also use Apps Script to send email notifications when a condition is met. Example: Notify when a task is marked as "Done".

function sendEmailOnDone() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  var data = sheet.getDataRange().getValues();
  for (var i = 1; i < data.length; i++) {
    if (data[i][2] == "Done") {
      MailApp.sendEmail("you@example.com", "Task Completed", "Task " + data[i][0] + " is done.");
    }
  }
}

📚 Resources to Learn More

• Official Apps Script Guide for Sheets
• Google Apps Script Editor
• YouTube Tutorials

📄 Download Tutorial PDF

Download this guide as PDF

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Tags: google sheets automation, google apps script, automate google sheets, productivity with sheets, spreadsheet automation