Updating Column name in forms

Tasha Rose

When updating the column name in a form (to ensure that my sheet columns correspond correctly to questions) it deletes the help text for my question. Usually I have the help text written somewhere else so I don't need to redo work, but is there a way to avoid this issue?

Mike TV

@Tasha Rose

It's working as intended. You need to submit an Enhancement Request or a Support Ticket.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Tasha Rose

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Mike's excellent advice/answer.

Great idea! That would be a great addition to Smartsheet features.

Please submit this as a Product Feedback or Idea (If it hasn't been added already) when you have a moment.

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, Awesome, or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Mike TV

@Tasha Rose

I just tested it out on one of my forms and I didn't lose the help text. You need to change Label so that it changes what is displayed for the form user. Don't use the pencil to actually change the column name because yes, that will remove your help text.

Mike TV

@Tasha Rose

Tasha Rose

@Mike TV

Thanks for your comment. The problem is that changing the label doesn't update/impact column headers -- that's why column properties is there. With long forms that may have taken multiple drafts, it doesn't make much sense to hand-match the column headers to the questions. I am wondering whether help text deletion can be avoided when editing the column properties.

Mike TV

@Tasha Rose

So then if you change the column name directly in the sheet instead of the pencil I marked out in my screenshot, your help text remains. The only time it deletes your help text is if you use that pencil icon. Just don't change the column name from the form and you'll be fine. Or if you absolutely must use the pencil icon, copy the help text before you change it so when it deletes it you can paste it back in there.

Tasha Rose

@Mike TV Yes, I understand how the column properties work. The issue is that editing column properties in the form shouldn't delete your help text -- whether by glitch or poor design -- and I was wondering if there is a setting I'm missing, or something along that line. I will direct my question elsewhere.

Mike TV

@Tasha Rose

It's working as intended. You need to submit an Enhancement Request or a Support Ticket.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Tasha Rose

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Mike's excellent advice/answer.

Great idea! That would be a great addition to Smartsheet features.

Please submit this as a Product Feedback or Idea (If it hasn't been added already) when you have a moment.

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, Awesome, or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!