Apostrophe being inserted before Formula when using Smartsheet Forms

Emmet McKenna

Hello, we have a Sheet setup with a Column which has the Formula =[Project]@row + " " + [Note]@row taking the info from the Project and Note columns. We also have a form for this sheet where you pick the Project and add a Note, what happens when we complete the form is a Leading Apostrophe is inserted in front of the formula so it shows up like below instead of taking the info from the two columns cells in that row? Is there a solution to this?

'=[Project]@row + " " + [Note]@row

Emmet McKenna

Hi Paul, Andrée,

Thanks for the suggestions, I ended up resolving it by creating a new form which when used didn't cause the apostrophe to be inserted.

In the mean time I had also got in touch with Support and they advised best practice for this scenario for the specific column with the formula in it, is to 'Convert to Column Formula' so that all new rows added automatically have the formula.

https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/2481944-set-formulas-for-all-rows-with-column-formulas

Paul Newcome

The formula should go in the sheet. Not in the form.

Emmet McKenna

Hi Paul, sorry if it wasn't clear, the formula is in the sheet in a separate 'Project Notes' column. It autofills down when new rows are added but the apostrophe is included in front of the formula automatically even though it isn't in the formula in the cells above.

(the 'Project' and 'Notes' column are filled in from the from)

Paul Newcome

Do you have the formula inserted as a default value within the form?

Emmet McKenna

No, the column that the formula is in isn't part of the form

The Form has a field for 'Project' and 'Note'

The Sheet has a column 'Project Notes' with this formula =[Project]@row + " " + [Note]@row

Andrée Starå

Hi @Emmet McKenna

I hope you're well and safe!

Strange! If I remember correctly, someone else had a similar issue recently. I'll get back to the post if I can find it.

If you haven’t already, I recommend reaching out to the Smartsheet Support Team.

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Paul Newcome

I would also recommend reaching out to Support.

Are you able to provide some screenshots?

TYPICALLY the only time the apostrophe should be put in is if it is set as a value in one of the form fields.

Emmet McKenna

Hi Paul, Andrée,

Thanks for the suggestions, I ended up resolving it by creating a new form which when used didn't cause the apostrophe to be inserted.

In the mean time I had also got in touch with Support and they advised best practice for this scenario for the specific column with the formula in it, is to 'Convert to Column Formula' so that all new rows added automatically have the formula.

https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/2481944-set-formulas-for-all-rows-with-column-formulas