Copy Rows Automation: only copy select columns?

SPO MPD · 12/01/21

Hi Smartsheet Community,

Is there a way to set up the Copy Rows workflow in such a way that it will only copy select columns to a second sheet? Certain staff will be inputting information into 14 columns on a spreadsheet, but I only want 12 of the 14 columns to copy to a second sheet, as two of the columns may contain sensitive information.

Thanks,

Alec

Paul Newcome · 12/01/21

There is not a way to select which columns copy over. It is all or nothing.

But............

You could set up a Clear Cell Data automation to run in those two columns of the receiving sheet any time a new row is added. So those columns will exist, but the data will be deleted as soon as it hits the sheet.

Andrée Starå · 12/01/21

Hi @SPO MPD & @Christina Lam

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Paul's excellent advice/answer.

You could use cross-sheet formulas combined with either a VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH structure to connect the sheets, and when you update the source sheet, it will reflect on the destination sheet.

Another option would be to use so-called helper sheets. In short, copy the row to a helper sheet and then use my method described previously to get the values you need to another helper sheet and then copy/move the row from that sheet to the primary destination sheet.

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!

Paul Newcome · 12/01/21

There is not a way to select which columns copy over. It is all or nothing.

But............

You could set up a Clear Cell Data automation to run in those two columns of the receiving sheet any time a new row is added. So those columns will exist, but the data will be deleted as soon as it hits the sheet.

Christina09 · 12/01/21

I've been wanting the same thing since day one. Tons of people submitted product enhancement request to Smartsheet a long time ago, so far nothing from Smarthseet yet.

Andrée Starå · 12/01/21

Hi @SPO MPD & @Christina Lam

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Paul's excellent advice/answer.

You could use cross-sheet formulas combined with either a VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH structure to connect the sheets, and when you update the source sheet, it will reflect on the destination sheet.

Another option would be to use so-called helper sheets. In short, copy the row to a helper sheet and then use my method described previously to get the values you need to another helper sheet and then copy/move the row from that sheet to the primary destination sheet.

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!

Frank Falco · 12/02/21

I agree with @Christina Lam . This has been requested for a long time and is a very necessary function to make the copy row function really useful.

+1 vote (again) for this feature

fjtoh · 07/25/23

I am also frustrated with Smartsheet company, many features that users are requesting to improve but the answer is always coming. NATO - No action, talk only.

CAS the CSA · 07/02/24

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/386759#Comment_386759

It's a harsh reality realized daily…

Copy Rows Automation: only copy select columns?

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