Where is Script Editor in Google Sheets, How to Open & Use It

Google Sheets allows you to automate tasks using Google App Script. With Apps Script, you can create custom menus, automatically send emails based on spreadsheet data, and even set up reminders and alerts.

You need to use the Google App Script Editor to write these scripts. You don’t need to install it to use it. You can access it directly from Google Sheets by going to the Extensions and selecting Apps Script.

1. Open Google Sheets.
2. Click on Extensions.
3. Go to App Scripts

It opens the code editor in the new tab where you can write your scripts.

Script Editor Interface & Components

You will see different options and buttons when you open the Script Editor for the first time. Now, it’s important to understand some of the basic available options.

1. Code Editor: This is the main area where you write your code. It has syntax highlighting to help you identify different parts of your script, making it easier to read and debug.
2. Toolbar: At the top, the Toolbar offers quick access to buttons like saving, running, and debugging your scripts. It also includes buttons to create new files and folders within your project.
3. File Navigator: On the left side of the Script Editor, the File Navigator displays a list of all the files and folders in your project. You can organize your scripts into different files and folders, making it easier to manage larger projects.
4. Triggers: You can set up triggers in the Script Editor to automatically run your scripts at specific times or in response to events, like when a workbook is opened or edited.
5. Execution Log: This is an area at the bottom of the editor that shows the output of your scripts when you run them. It includes messages about errors, successful executions, and any custom logs you add to your scripts.

Save and Run a Script in Google Sheets

After pasting or writing your script, click on the disk icon or select “File” and then “Save” to save it. If prompted, give your project a name. Once saved, you can run your script by clicking the script editor’s play button (a triangle icon).

As I mentioned, if your script needs to run automatically, like when you open the sheet, you can set up triggers by clicking the clock icon in the script editor and following the prompts.

Renaming a Project in Google App Script Editor

In the script editor, look at the top left corner, where the project name is next to the App Script icon.

Click on the current project name to make it editable. Type in your desired new name and press Enter or click outside the text box to save the new name.