Hiding or deleting content via Automations

suzanne.fitzpatrick88451

I have multiple sheets following a complex workflow. When some of my workflows are completed and moved to the next step in the process, I want the row of information on a sheet to be automatically hidden or deleted. I see that we have delete a column, but not a row. I need my row to be cleared after the data has already moved to another sheet. I don't want to move or copy it, I want to delete or hid it. Any recommendations on how to do this?

jessica.smith

If you have access to Bridge you can set up a pretty basic workflow to delete the row. Happy to help with this if you do have Bridge, but arent sure how to use.

If not, you could set up one more sheet to serve as a recycle bin. "Deleting" the row will just be a final automation to move the row to your recycle bin. You just need to periodically delete all of the rows from the recycle bin sheet to avoid capacity limits,

Another option could be to set a shared filter on your sheet to filter out any rows where the workflow has been completed.

Will any of those options work for you?

suzanne.fitzpatrick88451

I don't think we have bridge. I'm double-checking. But options 2 or 3 may work. I'll have to give them a try to see. Thank you!

suzanne.fitzpatrick88451

@jessica.smith we don't have Bridge.

Paul Newcome

When you say you want the row to be cleared once the data moves to another sheet… How exactly are you moving it to another sheet, and which row do you want the row cleared on (source or destination sheet)?

suzanne.fitzpatrick88451

@Paul Newcome I am using Data Mesh to sync the data changes between sheets. I want the data to be deleted from the source sheet (child) once the data has been moved via Data Mesh syncing. I can use a trigger or helper column for it if needed, on either sheet. I was considering the recycle bin sheet recommendation above, but I'm trying to get out of any manual intervention in the workflow, if possible. I was thinking if I did use the move to recycle bin sheet idea, I think I can use automation to clear cells on a given date or established frequency. I just haven't been able to try out that theory yet.

Paul Newcome

The clear cells automation only clears the cells. It does not actually delete the rows. You will eventually end up with a sheet that is at capacity but appears blank. You'll need to find some way to delete the rows themselves. This can be automated through the API, the premium add-on Bridge, or other 3rd party apps. Otherwise it is a manual process.

suzanne.fitzpatrick88451

@Paul Newcome right, I'm manually deleting the rows right now. I use data mesh for updates/syncing, not clearing cells. I don't have bridge or 3rd party apps and my company likely won't purchase any. How would you do it using the API?

Paul Newcome

Right. I mentioned what I did about the Clear Cells automation based on the last bit of your last comment where you said you think you could use them but haven't tried it yet. I just wanted to save you the trouble.

As for the API, here is a link to the API documentation:

https://smartsheet.redoc.ly/tag/rows#operation/delete-rows

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