Automation with symbols

Hello,

Is there any way to create a workflow to change symbols?

I want a "high priority"exclamation point to show up in a symbols column anytime "last modified" is not in the last 7 days. I see I can change cell value using text and drop downs, but there is no option for symbols.

Is it's not possible to change a symbols column using workflow, can someone provide me with an IF statement that would allow for this to happen?

Thank you

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Accepted answers

Dan Tanner

@Andrée Starå

Thank you!. I created an extra text column which reacts to an automation, and linked an IF statement to that for the symbol. Appreciate yours and @Alex Argumedo's help!

All comments

Alex Argumedo

yes, you need the equivalent word for the symbol, for instance, the exclamation point is called "High" just automate to put that word in the field and it will be converted to a symbol, remember to restrict to symbols only in the column

Dan Tanner

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/294826#Comment_294826

Thanks for the response, Alex. The problem is that my symbol column is not provided as an option when selecting the column to change value in.

Alex Argumedo

so, you don't see Symbols on this list ?

Andrée Starå

Hi @Dan DeGroot

I hope you're well and safe!

You'd need to add a so-called helper column where you change the value with the change cell action and then reference that for the symbols column.

@Alex Argumedo , I think Dan is referencing the change a cell action, which doesn't support Symbol columns.

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Dan Tanner

@Andrée Starå

Thank you!. I created an extra text column which reacts to an automation, and linked an IF statement to that for the symbol. Appreciate yours and @Alex Argumedo's help!

Andrée Starå

@Dan DeGroot

Excellent!

You're more than welcome!

Kelsey Konrad

Could anyone attach a screenshot of the steps they did to make this workflow? Or at least the IF statement used? I am trying to do something similar except with start dates. (i.e. If start date is in the past, the symbol changes to a red ball).

Thank you!

Genevieve P.

Hi @Kelsey Konrad

This Community post has an answer that may work for you: Help with formulas to drive Harvey Ball Status

If this doesn't help, I would suggest creating a new Question in the Community with screen captures of your sheet and a detailed explanation of when you want each status ball to be each colour.

Cheers,

Genevieve

bportman

If anyone is looking for a workaround on this sometime in the future, there is another option to this as well.

Instead of using the "stock" symbols, you can use text symbols (example !
, ↓ ) and put these into a dropdown list. You can then use conditional formatting to drive the color in addition to your rule.

If you want the symbols to switch, you can copy the text symbol into the rule.

The only downside of this is if you need to sort based on this column, you may need to use a helper column (that can be invisble on reports) to help drive the order.

I have confirmed this works and you can also use conditional formatting to drive the color and size of things like exclamation marks. You can see them side by side below.

2025-05-08 14_24_46-(99+) Active Priority Projects - Smartsheet.com.png

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