Update Requests with columns for viewing only

smuhammad41001

Is it possible to make an update request, but only allow editing of certain columns? I want them to be able to see certain columns, but not change them.

Mike Wilday

Yes, you can adjust what columns are included by clicking edit next to include when composing the update request. See my screenshot below. 

Mike Wilday

Ohhhhh... but the seeing and not editing part might be possible by locking the columns and rows and making sure that the people you are sending the update request to are shared as editors and not admins on the sheet you are requesting the update from. See here for more information: https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/522077-locking-unlocking-columns-and-rows

Andrée Starå

Hi,

Yes, they won't be able to edit the columns that are locked.

I hope this helps you!

Best,

Andrée Starå - Workflow Consultant / Get Done

smuhammad41001

Oh, OK. I see... Thanks a lot! 

Mike Wilday

You're welcome. Glad we could help! 

Andrée Starå

Happy to help!

RobinC

Has anyone had issues with this with automated update requests?  When we send manually the locked fields are not editable but in the automated request they are. 

 

Thanks 

Andrée Starå

Hi Robin,

Posted the answer from your other post here.

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/automated-update-requests-0

It depends on what permissions you have for the user in Smartsheet. If they have access to change it in Smartsheet, then they can change it in the form.

Hope that helps!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

Jason Tarpinian

Is there any way to change view/edit of update request items without locking columns and changing admin access? It would be nice to have a simple "Include in Update: Yes/No" and then a "View Only/Edit Access" or something in the update request builder.

Mike Wilday

Have you considered limiting which columns you are sending them in the update request? You could also consider creating a web-published report that they could use to see and not update the rows they have. You could include the link to the report in the update request for their reference and only send them the rows they need to edit. 

Mike Wilday

I would also check to make sure they don't have an editable role in the sheet that would allow them to edit the locked rows. 

StevoAUST

We have update requests being sent out, and locked fields are unlocked, so the recipient can edit them. This occurs even if the recipient does NOT have any access to the underlying Smartsheet, and even occurs if we use a Private Browsing Window. This means our locked columns become unlocked for the recipient, and they can update them.

Some stay locked, others go out unlocked.

Is there some way to prevent this happening?

PS: Adding a formula to the field keeps it locked, but we can't go through all our data adding formulas to every cell, just because locked column is not reliable!

Jenna Doucette

Hi All,

Is there any way to lock a field in a Smartsheet update request but only on some update requests not all?

Andrée Starå

Hi @Jenna_Doucette

Maybe, but probably not.

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@workbold.com)

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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