Changing an auto-generated number in a cell

Kaitlyn Carroll

Hello,

Is there a way to override, or edit, an auto-generated number?

I have an intake project sheet that generates "Job #" as new requests come in from a form. Recently a 'new' request was submitted through our form, giving that request (or project) a new auto-generated "Job #". However, this request isn't actually new, it's part of an archived request (that has it's own job #). I'd like to carry over that same "Job #". I'm not able to change or edit the cell that contains the "Job #". Is there anyway to override the auto-generated number?

Thanks!

Andrée Starå

Hi @Kaitlyn Carroll

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Mike's excellent advice/answer.

Try this. (use it to update instead of deleting)

1. Change the column properties from Auto-Number/System... to Text/Number
2. Save
3. Delete the numbers you don't want
4. Save
5. Delete the rows with the numbers you deleted
6. Save
7. Change the column back to Auto Number and change the Starting Number to the number you'd like the next added row to be
8. Save
9. Add a new row
10. Save and watch the magic happen

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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Mike Wilday

One approach might be to use a column with a formula that duplicates the auto-generated number. You could use that column as your reference moving forward. Then if the job is duplicate, you could remove the formula manually and assign it the duplicate number. (Within the duplicated column). You could also hide the auto-generated column cause it wouldn't be needed anymore).

Kaitlyn Carroll

I really like your idea of the duplicate! That is really smart. Thank you!

Andrée Starå

Hi @Kaitlyn Carroll

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Mike's excellent advice/answer.

Try this. (use it to update instead of deleting)

1. Change the column properties from Auto-Number/System... to Text/Number
2. Save
3. Delete the numbers you don't want
4. Save
5. Delete the rows with the numbers you deleted
6. Save
7. Change the column back to Auto Number and change the Starting Number to the number you'd like the next added row to be
8. Save
9. Add a new row
10. Save and watch the magic happen

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it Insightful/Vote Up or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Mike Wilday

You're welcome! Glad I could be of help!

Kaitlyn Carroll

Thank you, @Andrée Starå. That is wonderful - that'll help make sure numbers don't get skipped!

Andrée Starå

@Kaitlyn Carroll

Excellent!

Happy to help!