I would like to know how to create a header for my Smartsheet.
Hi,
Not sure I follow!
What do you mean?
Have a fantastic day!
Best,
Andrée Starå
Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD
(Reposting, because this forum software doesn't let me edit)
Beyond the column names, Smartsheet does not have the concept of headings as you might use in Excel or other desktop spreadsheets.
In Excel you can set rows to for data filtering and sorting, in Smartsheet this is done either via the column title or via a sheet wide filter.
In Excel you can freeze/lock rows and columns, with is something often done to headings. Smartsheet does not have this concept.
In Excel people often have rows that are above the headings row. This space can be used for text describing the sheet, place sheet wide variables or summary calculations. These features can be done in Smartsheet via:
Use comments on sheets for an explanation about the sheet The column's description text for info about the column The new "Sheet Summary" tool for variables and summaries Use Parent rows to summarize child rows
I think there is good reason for Smartsheet not having these features. In Smartsheet all rows are data to be acted upon via workflows. Non-data cells do not make sense.
Still there are times when you want to have more header-like, non-data zones in Smartsheet. I have done this via using (or abusing) the row parent/child relations.
I have setup two sheets to demonstrate this:
Simple Parent Heading:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=5c3b2ffbce8e499cad005b15f8640ea8
Parent Heading and Notes area:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=b618f387f3204ab99358afbef637bde5
If you use either of these, be sure to set any forms to add data to the bottom of the sheet. You will also want to add exclusions to the heading areas to any filters you create.
I should add that I think it would be a great feature if Smartsheet provided an option for display column descriptions below the column title. Having to hover over the the little "i" info icon to display the description is often not help to the sheet users.
(I forget if I every submitted this feature request, I will do so now)
--Lee JoramoData Integrations Developer - Mesa County Valley School Dist. 51
@leejoramo Thank you so much for this helpful response. I've searched through multiple help and forum threads looking for an alternative to freezing rows. You've offered several helpful workarounds.
Thank you!
I agree - a freeze row feature would be a useful addition - I would like it for documenting info about the sheet and defining metrics.
Olli Matikainen
I agree as well, need "Freeze Row" to provide better sheet communication to other users of the data. I understand the all rows are data rows concept, but if we can find a solution to simply create a header row that we are able to freeze and then scroll/print, etc the data can make more sense.
Especially with trackers, or lists that are sent out.
Vote - Up
OH MY GOD PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR THE ABILITY TO FREEZE ROWS FOR 5 YEARS. This is such a standard feature, why in the world would the multiple please be ignored ad infinitum???
Hi guys-
I just made a data sheet that sends the to a report and a dashboard.
The header row would be cool, but only an easy reference for the stakeholders.
There are a couple of reasons lacking a header is ok by me:
You could use your primary column as your header row and "freeze" it (might take some mental gymnastics tho).
Then put in your "sheet summary" the types of headers you miss.
Create a dashboard with a graph using the sheet summary, and stats using "metrics" plug in.
Hope some of these ideas help. Please let me know if I can help.
Sarah
good info, thanks guys.
Hi Leo,
Could you please help me how to create header in Smaertsheet?
Simple Parent Heading
Hello- I have a task showing with the completed check box checked, but the task is still showing on the dashboard… thoughts?
I'm having an issue where the View Cell History is not updating as cells are filled and cleared. The Activity Log still updates as normal, but due to some people accessing the file not having a license, the Activity Log alone is not sufficient. I've tried refreshing the sheet, and the 8th is the last day that was correctly…
Hello All, I have created an automation that noifies someone in a contact list that their request has been received and is being worked on. They are getting 3 email notifications rather than 1. It doesn't matter which person in the contact list is selected. Is there anyway to fix this?
