How to link Google Sheets data automatically

Google Sheets needs no introduction. The Cloud-based spreadsheets application made our work lives so easy. Previously, organizing and sharing the information files was a problem to reckon with. Now we can access Google Sheets from anywhere and on any device.

We can even share the files with other users with appropriate access controls, taking collaborative efforts to the next level. But not everything within the application is seamless, and certainly, there is a lot of room for improvement.

While we can use the IMPORTRANGE formula to link Google Sheets data automatically, it is not as advanced and flexible as the solution we are going to try here. Therefore, a great alternative to link data is to follow these step-by-step instructions on how to link Google Sheets.

Why should we link Google Sheets spreadsheets?

Data exchange between colleagues on a daily basis can get tiring and time-consuming when done manually. Looking for ways to automate this process will help them save more valuable time over time. An example of a use case is that of Rafael.

Rafael works as a data analyst in a processed-food supply company that uses Google Sheets for their spreadsheet needs. Kirk is a research assistant who reports to Rafael. Rafael’s job requires him to analyze the end-customer survey data he receives from Kirk. Afterwards, Rafael draws insights and shares them with his management. There are two different spreadsheet related tasks in this entire process.

  • Rafael needs to access the Customer Survey Data file from Kirk.
  • He also needs to share the Customer Insights file to his management.

In any other time, it would have to be that Rafael needs to exchange these files over emails. It can get tiring for Rafael if he were to do this information exchange manually every single day. Consequently, if there is any way this can be done automatically, he is up for it.

Link Data Automatically in Google Sheets: Connection Creation Page

Solution: Automate the process with Sheetgo

Thanks to Sheetgo, we, fortunately, have a much simpler and automatic alternative that makes information exchange happen without manual intervention. This add-on for Google Sheets highly boosts the connectivity between spreadsheets. It can automatically manage all the heavy-lifting that Rafael had to manually do (explained above). If we don’t have it yet, we can get it by clicking the button below.

Sheetgo add-on

Configuration process

Rafael usually uses a temporary file called Customer Survey to import the data, perform analysis, and once done, uses the same file to export his insights.

I. How to link Google Sheets automatically by creating an import connection?

This is the first leg of the process in which we will link Google Sheets data automatically, wherein Rafael imports the survey data from Kirk.

Step 1.

Go to the top bar menu and click Extensions. Select the Sheetgo add-on. 

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Step 2.

Under Import data from file, click Select data.

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Step 3.

Click Sheet file(s) to import data from a single spreadsheet.

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Step 4.

Now select the source file you want to import data from.

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Step 5.

Now select a data processor.

Select Filter If you want to import filtered data from your source spreadsheet.

Select Split if you want to split data from your source file into multiple worksheets.

Since Rafael only wants to import data from one spreadsheet to another, click Skip to move to the next step. 

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Step 6.

It’s time now to select your destination tab and give it a name. I’ll let Sheetgo create a new tab and name it Data.
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Click Finish and save to create the connection.

Step 7.

Sheetgo has imported all the data from the source spreadsheet to the destination file.

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II. How to link data automatically by creating an export connection?

After manipulating and analyzing the data, Rafael wants to share his insights to his management. He will follow these simple steps to export the data to another spreadsheet.

Step 1.

Under Export data from file, click Select data.

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Step 2.

Select the tab you want to export data from.

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Step 3.

Select Sheet file(s) to send data to a single or multiple sheets.

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Step 4.

Now it’s time to choose your destination file. You can either choose an existing file or let Sheetgo create a new spreadsheet.

Here, Rafael wants to create a new file called Customer insights.

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Click Finish and save to create the connection.

Step 5.

Now you can create your own automation schedule. You can choose what days to automate your workflow, up to every hour. Once you’ve created your schedule, click Save.

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Congratulations!

You have successfully connected your spreadsheets using the Sheetgo add-on. If you want to connect your Google Sheets to Excel, check out this article.

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