Do I really have to make the same change on every single one of my sheets separately?

DrJules

Hi Folks - I'm pretty much a newbie to SS, but I have already created 20+ different sheets for each of my projects, using a template. Now, if I want to make a change to the structure of all the sheets (ie, change the name of a column, add an alert, or anything really!)… is there not a way to automatically make the same change to all 20+ sheets at once? Do I really have to go in to every single sheet and make that same edit manually? 😩

Nic Larsen

Assuming all the sheets are the same except for a different title, you could just change one sheet and save as a template. Then save as new as many times as needed, renaming as you go. But there really isn't an automated way to make global updates across sheets outside of using the add-on Control Center app.

AravindGP

Hi @DrJules

Yes, any structural change you need will need to be done manually in each sheet. Most of these can be automated if you've Control Center (which is an add-on to Smartsheet). Except for automation, things such as renaming columns, adding new columns, updating reports & dashboards, and add project metadata fields can be done automatically with the option of rolling up key data for Portfolio reporting can be done if you've Control Center.

Nic Larsen

Assuming all the sheets are the same except for a different title, you could just change one sheet and save as a template. Then save as new as many times as needed, renaming as you go. But there really isn't an automated way to make global updates across sheets outside of using the add-on Control Center app.

AravindGP

Hi @DrJules

Yes, any structural change you need will need to be done manually in each sheet. Most of these can be automated if you've Control Center (which is an add-on to Smartsheet). Except for automation, things such as renaming columns, adding new columns, updating reports & dashboards, and add project metadata fields can be done automatically with the option of rolling up key data for Portfolio reporting can be done if you've Control Center.

DrJules

Thank you both @Nic Larsen and @AravindGP! I was afraid you would say I need Control Center 🤔 No way my Manager is going to go for that additional cost… I guess I will just make do! I appreciate your time and expertise!

PM_Reeves

Hi @DrJules,

I had similar when I started here, but with over 80 concurrent projects.

I found it didn't take long to do. Just focus on one task at a time, and make that same update on all sheets. Muscle memory kicks in and I could do the whole lot in about 20 minutes. Then onto the next task.

It feels like a thankless task whilst you're making the changes, but the benefits when finished are worth it.

Good luck.

DrJules

😍Thank you for the moral support! 🙏