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Sheet - Team L.C.L Excavation

Read, update, write and delete data from Smartsheet API

Actions13

Overview

The "Update Column" operation in the Manage Smartsheet resource allows users to modify an existing column within a specified Smartsheet sheet. This includes changing the column's title, type, and other optional attributes such as description, formula, visibility (hidden), index position, format, and validation settings.

This node is beneficial when you need to programmatically update the structure of your Smartsheet sheets without manual intervention. For example, if a project management process requires renaming columns or changing their data types based on evolving requirements, this operation automates that task.

Practical examples:

  • Renaming a column from "Due Date" to "Deadline" to reflect updated terminology.
  • Changing a column type from "TEXT_NUMBER" to "DATE" to enforce date input.
  • Adding a formula or validation rule to a column to automate calculations or restrict inputs.

Properties

Name Meaning
Sheet Name or ID The identifier or name of the Smartsheet sheet where the column exists. You can select from a list or specify an ID using an expression.
Column ID The unique identifier of the column to update within the selected sheet.
Title The new title/name for the column.
Type The data type of the column. Options include: ABSTRACT DATETIME, CHECK BOX, CONTACT LIST, DATE, DATETIME, DURATION, MULTI CONTACT LIST, MULTI PICKLIST, PICKLIST, PREDECESSOR, TEXT NUMBER.
Additional Fields Optional additional settings for the column:
- Description A text description for the column.
- Format Formatting string for the column (e.g., date format).
- Formula A formula to apply to the column cells.
- Hidden Boolean flag indicating whether the column should be hidden.
- Index Numeric index specifying the column's position/order in the sheet.
- Validation Boolean flag to enable or disable validation rules on the column.

Output

The output JSON contains the response from the Smartsheet API after updating the column. It typically includes the updated column object with its properties reflecting the changes made, such as the new title, type, and any additional fields set.

If the operation succeeds, the output confirms the updated column details. If it fails, error information will be provided.

No binary data output is involved in this operation.

Dependencies

  • Requires an active connection to the Smartsheet API via an API key credential configured in n8n.
  • The node uses the Smartsheet REST API v2 endpoint https://api.smartsheet.com/2.0.
  • Proper permissions on the Smartsheet account are necessary to update columns on the target sheet.

Troubleshooting

  • Common issues:

    • Invalid or missing Sheet ID or Column ID will cause the request to fail.
    • Insufficient permissions on the Smartsheet sheet may result in authorization errors.
    • Providing an invalid column type or malformed additional fields can cause API errors.

  • Error messages:

    • "Column titled \"<title>\" not found." — Occurs if the specified column ID does not exist; verify the column ID.
    • "No rows specified" — Not applicable here but seen in row operations; ensure required parameters are provided.
    • General API errors will return messages from Smartsheet API; check credentials and parameter correctness.

  • Resolution tips:

    • Double-check the Sheet ID and Column ID values.
    • Ensure the API key has sufficient access rights.
    • Validate all input fields conform to expected formats and allowed values.

Links and References

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