Actions13
- Manage Smartsheet Actions
- Manage Folder Actions
Overview
This node allows users to manage Smartsheet sheets programmatically, specifically focusing on the "Add New Column" operation within the "Manage Smartsheet" resource. It enables adding a new column to an existing Smartsheet sheet by specifying details such as the column title, type, and optional additional settings.
Common scenarios where this node is beneficial include:
- Automating the expansion of sheet structures by adding columns dynamically based on workflow needs.
- Integrating Smartsheet with other systems where new data fields need to be created automatically.
- Managing project or data tracking sheets that require frequent schema updates without manual intervention.
Practical example:
- A project management workflow that adds a "Status" column of type "PICKLIST" to a Smartsheet whenever a new project phase starts, allowing team members to select the current status from predefined options.
Properties
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sheet Name or ID | Select the target sheet by name or specify its ID where the new column will be added. |
| Title | The display name/title of the new column to add to the sheet. |
| Type | The data type of the new column. Options include: ABSTRACT DATETIME, CHECK BOX, CONTACT LIST, DATE, DATETIME, DURATION, MULTI CONTACT LIST, MULTI PICKLIST, PICKLIST, PREDECESSOR, TEXT NUMBER. |
| Additional Fields | Optional extra settings for the new column: |
| - Description | Text description of the column. |
| - Format | Formatting string for the column (e.g., date format). |
| - Formula | A formula to calculate values in the column. |
| - Hidden | Boolean flag to hide the column in the sheet UI. |
| - Index | Position index where the column should be inserted. |
| - Validation | Boolean flag to enable validation rules on the column. |
Output
The node outputs JSON data representing the newly created column object returned by the Smartsheet API. This includes all properties of the column such as its ID, title, type, formula, visibility, position index, description, format, and validation status.
No binary data output is involved in this operation.
Example output structure (simplified):
{
"id": 123456789,
"title": "New Column",
"type": "PICKLIST",
"formula": "",
"hidden": false,
"index": 2,
"description": "Optional description",
"format": "",
"validation": false
}
Dependencies
- Requires an active connection to the Smartsheet API via an API key credential configured in n8n.
- The node uses the Smartsheet REST API endpoint
/sheets/{sheetId}/columnswith HTTP POST method to add columns. - No additional external dependencies beyond the Smartsheet API and proper authentication.
Troubleshooting
- Missing or invalid Sheet ID: If the specified sheet does not exist or the ID is incorrect, the API call will fail. Ensure the sheet ID is correct and accessible by the API key.
- Invalid column type or parameters: Providing unsupported types or malformed additional fields may cause errors. Use only supported column types and valid field formats.
- Permission issues: The API key must have sufficient permissions to modify the sheet structure.
- Index conflicts: Specifying an index outside the valid range may result in errors or unexpected placement.
- API rate limits: Frequent calls might hit Smartsheet API rate limits; handle errors accordingly.
Common error messages:
"Column titled \"XYZ\" not found."— occurs if trying to update or reference a non-existent column."No rows specified"— unrelated to this operation but seen in row operations; ensure required inputs are provided.
To resolve errors:
- Double-check input parameters.
- Verify API credentials and permissions.
- Consult Smartsheet API documentation for valid column types and parameters.