Timestamp Columns

Question

Hi Smartsheet Community! 👋

I'm hoping to get some guidance on automatically capturing timestamps based on checkbox triggers.

Here's my setup: I have a sheet with multiple checkbox columns, each representing a specific action:

* ✅ Receiving Call
* ✅ Insurance Approval
* ✅ Transfer

What I'd like to achieve is having a dedicated timestamp column for each checkbox, so that the moment a checkbox is checked, the exact date and time is automatically logged — without anyone having to enter it manually.

I've looked into using Automation workflows, but I'm not sure if Smartsheet supports this natively or if there's a workaround (e.g., using a helper column, a formula, or a third-party integration).

Specifically, I'd love to know:

* Is there a native way to auto-capture a timestamp when a specific checkbox is checked?
* Can Smartsheet Automations write a date/time value into a cell based on a trigger?
* Are there any recommended workarounds if this isn't natively supported?

Any advice or examples from your workflows would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance. 🙏

Paul Newcome · Answer

@Mohammad_Alasfar Here is a method I developed. It involves a second sheet to capture the date/time an action has occurred. Once that second sheet has been set up, you can use something like an INDEX/MATCH, INDEX/COLLECT, etc. to bring the date/time stamp back over to your main working sheet.

Depending on the size of your main working sheet and how many times a single row could trigger, it may not scale well, but this is the only way to accomplish a date/time stamp using just the core product.

It can also be automated using the API, the premium add-on Bridge, or other similar third party apps.

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/63561/date-time-stamp-option

Andrée Starå · Answer

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/145759/timestamp-columns

Hi,

I hope you're well and safe!

Please review the post below, which outlines a workaround.

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/68589/lock-or-store-date-value-solution-without-using-zapier

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe, and have a fantastic day!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Smartsheet Expert Consultant & Partner / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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