Remove Hidden Columns from Sort List

Steve Klenner · 04/12/20

Is it possible that when a column is hidden, that it doesnt offer that column in the sort options. I'm using several helper columns and would like to hide those columns from users when sorting.

Thanks

Steve

Ryan Kramer · 04/12/20

Not that I am aware of since it is still a valid column to be sorted. I assume the reason why this is a problem is because when you are trying to do the sort, these several helper columns are getting in the way of selecting the ones you want. A hack if you will, is to simply name the helper columns something like z_na_user_bio, z_na_first_name, etc. which will make it easier for you to select your columns to be sorted and ignore the helper columns.

Ryan

Steve Klenner · 04/12/20

Thanks for help. Your assumption is correct. Allowing Helper Columns to appear in sorting for users who have no idea the columns even exist...causes confusion. I tried adding a z to column name, hoping it would put it at end of sort column options. No go...it does make it easier to identify columns not to include. Perhaps smartsheet can add this as a future feature.

Andrée Starå · 04/13/20

@Steve Klenner

Hi Steve,

A solution that could be perfect for this use-case is the premium add-on, Dynamic View. Is that an option?

More info:

https://www.smartsheet.com/product/dynamic-view

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Paul Newcome · 04/13/20

I put all of my helper columns on the far right of the sheet. Then I use an additional column to separate the main sheet from the automations columns. Since columns are listed from left to right when you want to sort, the main sheet columns come first, then the Automations Spacer column, then the helper columns.

Ryan K · 04/13/20

@Paul Newcome ,

I like that strategy!

After building the sheets, more everything over to the right for ease of use for the users.

Ryan

Paul Newcome · 04/13/20

@Ryan Kramer To provide more detail as to my specific setup...

I usually name the column [Automations Spacer]. I do this for a few different reasons to include being able to use semi-generic formulas to read the main sheet and "back-end" for errors which then feeds a report, so I can be notified regularly if anything is broken.

I make a Symbol type column with the symbol that has the "x" inside of the red circle. I use a column on every sheet that replicates the row number as well, so in the automations spacer I simply use

=IF([Row ID]@row <> "", "No")

This insures that the "x" is in every row thanks to autofill. I set the entire column to have a black cell fill which really helps it stand out then I shrink the column width down.

All of my automations columns have a cell fill of light red, and all columns (including the spacer) get locked. THEN everything gets hidden.

This is for a few different reasons. The bold spacer and the red fill and the locked columns help people know they shouldn't be messing around in those columns in case they accidentally "unhid" them. This also helps when using cell links or cross sheet references because it clearly shows the two different parts of the sheet. Normal users should stay to the left in the normal looking cells, and leave everything else alone.

I have found that this clear separation on each sheet has really come in handy in a lot of different ways. I even set my Conditional Formatting rules to only cover the main sheet columns and Automations only send those columns.