Timeline View - Grouping by a formula column

Mindy Newquist

Is it possible to group the timeline view by a formula-populated column? Grouping menu options appear to only be fields that are directly populated within the source sheet; and I am hoping to group by a field that is pulled in from other sheets.

mcarlson

Hi!

In Smartsheet, grouping in the Timeline (or Gantt) view is indeed limited to fields that are directly populated in the source sheet rather than formula-populated or cell-linked columns. Unfortunately, Smartsheet does not currently support grouping by columns that are populated by formulas or by data linked from other sheets.

A workaround you might consider:

1. Use a Helper Column: Set up a regular text/number column to manually pull in values or replicate the formula results periodically. You can use automation or Smartsheet workflows to assist with reminders for any manual updates if necessary.
2. Cell Linking as a Static Value Transfer: If the grouping data is relatively static, you could use cell linking to bring data from other sheets into a direct column on your source sheet. This would allow grouping since cell-linked data is seen as directly populated.
3. Copy Rows with Dynamic Values to the Source Sheet: If you’re able to copy or move rows that contain the formula-populated information into the main source sheet directly, this will create a static field that Smartsheet can group by.

While these methods don’t allow for fully automated dynamic grouping by a formula-populated column, they provide alternative ways to organize data in the Timeline view.

Please feel free to reach out or put time on my calendar for further help!

mcarlson

Hi!

In Smartsheet, grouping in the Timeline (or Gantt) view is indeed limited to fields that are directly populated in the source sheet rather than formula-populated or cell-linked columns. Unfortunately, Smartsheet does not currently support grouping by columns that are populated by formulas or by data linked from other sheets.

A workaround you might consider:

1. Use a Helper Column: Set up a regular text/number column to manually pull in values or replicate the formula results periodically. You can use automation or Smartsheet workflows to assist with reminders for any manual updates if necessary.
2. Cell Linking as a Static Value Transfer: If the grouping data is relatively static, you could use cell linking to bring data from other sheets into a direct column on your source sheet. This would allow grouping since cell-linked data is seen as directly populated.
3. Copy Rows with Dynamic Values to the Source Sheet: If you’re able to copy or move rows that contain the formula-populated information into the main source sheet directly, this will create a static field that Smartsheet can group by.

While these methods don’t allow for fully automated dynamic grouping by a formula-populated column, they provide alternative ways to organize data in the Timeline view.

Please feel free to reach out or put time on my calendar for further help!