Learn how to use the Append method in Google Sheets Advanced Service in Google Apps Script and see how it differs from the SpreadsheetApp option
While most Google Apps Script developers are familiar with the standard appendRow() method, it does come with its limitations, namely being restricted to a single row and always appending after the very last row with content on a sheet. For those looking for more control and flexibility, community expert Scott Donald (aka Yagisanatode) has published an excellent tutorial on using the spreadsheets.values.append() method available through the Google Sheets API Advanced Service.
Scott’s guide provides a deep dive into the powerful features this method unlocks, offering a more versatile approach to handling data in your Google Sheets.
The Power of the Append Method
In his tutorial, Scott highlights several key advantages over the traditional SpreadsheetApp service:
Intelligently append to a table: The API automatically finds the first empty row after a data table within a specified range. This allows you to append new rows directly to the correct location in a single API call, without first needing to find the last row of content.
Choose Your Insert Option: The API allows you to decide whether you want to INSERT_ROWS, which pushes existing data down, or OVERWRITE the empty cells below your target table.
Control Value Input: You can specify USER_ENTERED to have Sheets parse the data as if it were typed in by a user (which processes formulas and formats dates), or RAW to insert the values exactly as they are in your array.
Scott’s tutorial provides a detailed breakdown of each parameter and includes a helpful video walkthrough and a starter sheet for you to get hands-on with the concepts. He also notes some current documentation errors and bugs, which makes this a valuable resource for anyone looking to implement this feature.
A big thank you to Scott for sharing this insightful guide with the community!
