Export Column Properties

Chris Walker

I would like to be able to export the column properties of a sheet. It would be incredibly beneficial to be able to export the extensive structure:

• Column Name
• Column Type
• Allow multiple values per cell
• Restrict to list values only
• Values
• Restrict to dates only
• Allow multiples contacts per cell
• Restrict to list values only
• Add contacts
• Restrict to checkbox use only
• Style
• . . .

You get the idea.

I am aware that you can export the current data that exists within a sheet; but I am looking for the sheet setup.

Thanks!

SSFeatures

Hi @Chris Walker, I've had people message me directly to build a similar feature into SSFeatures. They wanted to be able to export all of the sheet configuration data, and then be able to import it back into new sheets to recreate them.

Are there any other use cases besides just being able to use the data to recreate the sheet? For example, do you want to keep the data for any other purposes? Do you need to use the data in Excel, or would it be fine for me to just make it work with JSON?

Chris Walker

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/484817#Comment_484817

I view it as an opportunity to support greater data governance within the business. We are very fond of using Smartsheet due it's flexible and extensive nature - however, it's not the only system in our business. Easily accessing lists (dropdown lists) and other properties related to data capture against other practices/systems within our business will equip us with the ability to deploy good data governance practices and reconcile sources, and ensure that as our business grows in one place, we can make equitable changes in others.

A bit abstract, but I believe features like this could support businesses who use Smartsheet to address data sprawl that only continues to occur as technology and systems rapidly expand.

SSFeatures

@Chris Walker - I'm really glad that I asked, because I didn't even think about using this potential feature for data governance and integration with other systems. So far I was only thinking about it as a way to restore sheet configurations in Smartsheet, and to persist those configurations outside of Smartsheet.

Which data format would work best for your use case? It would be easiest for me to output everything as a giant JSON object, which a developer could use to integrate into any system that they wanted.

But for human-readability, Excel or CSV is probably easier.

Chris Walker

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/484833#Comment_484833

In my opinion, exactly as you describe - json for devs; excel/csv for general business user.