Automatically Update Linked Objects on Google Docs: A Simple Guide

Are you tired of manually updating linked objects in your Google Docs every week? Well, you’re not alone. User JBJ on Make Community shared their struggle with the lack of an auto-refresh feature on Google Docs, especially when dealing with linked objects from Google Sheets.

JBJ’s workflow involves creating marketing reports that flow from Airtable to Make to Google Sheets and finally to Google Docs. To customize the reports’ formatting and leverage Google Sheets’ conditional formatting, they opted to use the ‘Create a Document from a Template’ module on Make. However, the challenge arises when they have to manually click the ‘Update All’ button in Google Docs to refresh the linked objects.

According to a comment by user samliew, there is currently no API on Google Docs or Sheets to update linked objects automatically. This limitation prompted JBJ to seek advice on possible workarounds using Google Apps Script or Make Community.

While JBJ’s quest for automation continues, it raises an interesting question for anyone dealing with linked objects in Google Docs. How can we streamline the process and save time in updating linked data?

If you’re facing a similar dilemma or have insights to share, head over to Make Community and join the conversation. Let’s explore innovative solutions together and make our workflows more efficient.

Stay tuned for updates on this issue and discover new ways to enhance your productivity with Google Docs and linked objects.

Are you tired of manually updating linked objects in Google Docs? Do you wish there was a way to automate this process? In this article, we will explore how to auto-update linked objects on Google Docs using Google Apps Script and Make. Let’s dive in and see how you can streamline your workflow and save time on repetitive tasks.

What is the context of the issue?

JBJ, a member of the Make community, shared their workflow for creating marketing weekly reports using Airtable, Make, Google Sheets, and Google Docs. They explained that they are currently manually updating linked objects in Google Docs, such as tables and charts from Google Sheets. JBJ expressed the need to automate this process to save time and ensure accuracy in their reports.

Why is automating this process important?

Automating the updating of linked objects in Google Docs is crucial for increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of errors. By automating this task, users can ensure that their reports are always up-to-date with the latest data from Google Sheets. This not only saves time but also improves the overall quality and accuracy of the reports.

How can Google Apps Script help automate this task?

Google Apps Script is a powerful tool that allows users to automate tasks and extend the functionality of Google Workspace products. With Google Apps Script, users can create custom scripts to automate repetitive tasks, such as updating linked objects in Google Docs. By writing a script that triggers the update process at a specific time or event, users can eliminate the need for manual intervention and ensure that their reports are always current.

What are the steps to automate updating linked objects in Google Docs?

1. Create a Google Apps Script: Start by creating a new Google Apps Script project in your Google Drive account. You can access Google Apps Script by clicking on the "Extensions" menu in Google Docs and selecting "Apps Script."
2. Write the Script: Write a script that retrieves the data from Google Sheets and updates the linked objects in Google Docs. You can use the Google Apps Script documentation to learn more about the available methods and classes for interacting with Google Workspace products.
3. Set up a Trigger: Set up a trigger for your script to run at a specific time or event. You can configure triggers to run on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, depending on your reporting schedule.
4. Test the Script: Test your script to ensure that it retrieves the correct data from Google Sheets and updates the linked objects in Google Docs successfully. You can use the logging feature in Google Apps Script to debug any issues and make necessary adjustments.
5. Deploy the Script: Once you are satisfied with the script’s performance, deploy it as a web app or an add-on to make it accessible to other users in your organization.
   

   What are the limitations of automating linked objects in Google Docs?
   

   While Google Apps Script offers a powerful way to automate tasks in Google Docs, it has its limitations. For example, there is no direct API endpoint for updating linked objects in Google Docs or Sheets. This means that users may have to rely on workarounds or request Google to create such an API in the future.

   What are the benefits of automating linked objects in Google Docs?
   

   Automating linked objects in Google Docs offers several benefits, including:

   • Time-saving: Automating repetitive tasks saves time and allows users to focus on more important aspects of their work.
   • Accuracy: By automating data updates, users can ensure that their reports are always accurate and up-to-date.
   • Customization: Google Apps Script allows users to customize their automation scripts to meet their specific needs and requirements.

     In conclusion, automating linked objects in Google Docs using Google Apps Script is a valuable tool for streamlining workflows and improving productivity. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can automate the updating of linked objects in Google Docs and save time on manual tasks. If you have any further questions or need assistance with automating tasks in Google Docs, feel free to reach out to the Make community for support.

     Sources:

   • Make Community
   • Google Developers – Google Apps Script
   • Stack Overflow – Google Docs API