Actions10
Overview
This n8n node allows you to update a column in a Smartsheet sheet. It is designed for scenarios where you need to programmatically modify the properties of an existing column, such as its title, description, type, options (for picklists), or visibility (hidden/shown). This is useful for automating the management of your Smartsheet structure, especially when integrating with other systems or workflows that require dynamic changes to your sheets.
Practical examples:
- Renaming a column based on external triggers.
- Changing a column's type from "Text/Number" to "Picklist" and providing new options.
- Hiding columns temporarily during certain workflow stages.
Properties
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sheet | ID of the sheet containing the column you want to update. |
| Column | The specific column within the selected sheet to update. |
| All options must be filled out. If you want to retain the previous value, use the "Fetch a column" node, and expressions to prefill fields that you don't want to be changed | Notice/instruction to ensure all fields are set; otherwise, use another node to fetch current values and prefill unchanged fields. |
| Column Title | The new title for the column. Required. |
| Column Description | The new description for the column. Optional. |
| Type | The data type for the column. Options: Checkbox, Contact List, Date, Date & Time, Duration, Multi-Contact List, Picklist, Multi Picklist, Predecessor, Text/Number. |
| Options (JSON) | Comma-separated list of values for the user to choose from (used for picklist-type columns). |
| Hidden | Whether the column should be hidden. Boolean (true/false). |
| Validation | Enable validation for picklist columns. Only shown if Type is "Picklist". Boolean (true/false). |
Output
The output will be a JSON object representing the updated column. Typical fields include:
{
"id": "123456789",
"title": "New Column Title",
"description": "Optional description",
"type": "PICKLIST",
"options": ["Option 1", "Option 2"],
"hidden": false,
"validation": true,
...
}
- The exact structure may include additional metadata returned by the Smartsheet API.
- No binary data is produced by this operation.
Dependencies
- External Service: Requires access to the Smartsheet API.
- API Key: You must configure Smartsheet API credentials in n8n under the name
smartsheetApi. - n8n Configuration: Ensure the node has access to the necessary credentials and that the Smartsheet integration is enabled.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues:
- Missing or invalid Sheet/Column ID: Ensure you select valid options for both the sheet and column.
- Not all required fields filled: The node requires all relevant fields to be filled. Use the "Fetch a column" node to retrieve current values if you only want to change some fields.
- Invalid options format: For picklist columns, ensure the "Options (JSON)" field is correctly formatted as a comma-separated list or valid JSON array.
- Insufficient permissions: The configured Smartsheet API key must have permission to edit the specified sheet and column.
Error Messages:
- "Sheet not found" or "Column not found": Double-check the selected IDs.
- "Validation failed for column type": Ensure the provided options and type are compatible.
- "Missing required property": Make sure all required fields (e.g., Column Title) are filled.