Google AppSheet is a tool for creating your own applications and automations without programming languages. It is a no-code platform that has already helped users create almost 4.5 million digital products. The solution is still gaining popularity.
In this article, you will learn what possibilities AppSheet offers, what data sources it can use, apart from the obvious spreadsheets, and how to get ready to create your first app. Let’s dive in!
What is AppSheet?
Google AppSheet is a no-code platform which allows you to create mobile and web apps. The tool was created for specialists who know the specific nature of their work very well and have an idea on how to improve it (e.g. automate workflows), but do not know how to code. They are sometimes referred to as citizen developers. Thanks to AppSheet they can create valuable apps for themselves and their organisations. And all without the need to employ developers and incur high costs.
How does AppSheet work? In short: based on the information that the user prepares in spreadsheets, databases or other sources, the tool automatically generates the core of the application.
Then, the app creator can adjust its functions, interface or scope of operation. This is done in the AppSheet editor by checking and unchecking boxes. The creator doesn’t need to code. They can, however, use simple formulas similar to those used in Google Sheets.
AppSheet apps are fully functional both on mobile devices (phones, tablets) and in computer browsers. They are constantly connected to their data sources and get updated when users update these sources on an ongoing basis.
FOTC specialists will write the app you need!
It is worth mentioning that people who want to create their own application can also use a slightly more advanced alternative to AppSheet. And we’re talking about Apps Script, a cloud-based platform and programming language based on JavaScript. This tool allows you to automate actions in Google applications and integrate them both with each other and with programs from other manufacturers.
If you think that platforms such as AppSheet or Apps Script are a great opportunity for your company, but you don’t know where to start or you want employees to consolidate their knowledge about them, contact us. We will design a training workshop for you and your employees on how to use the tool at any level of advancement.
AppSheet data sources
Although AppSheet is a Google product, the tool is also compatible with many third-party platforms and applications. The full list of data sources you can use to create applications here is as follows:
Native sources
- AppSeet databases
Spreadsheets
- Google Sheets
- Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 oraz SharePoint)
Database
- Google BigQuery
- AWS DynamoDB
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle
- MariaDB
- SQL Server
- On-premise databases
Other data sources
- Salesforce
- Google Forms
- Google Drive
- Google Calendar
- Apigee
- Data Studio
- Airtable
- Box
- Dropbox
- OData
- Smartsheet
Features available in AppSheet
AppSheet allows you to create highly functional and extensive digital products. When designing your own app, you can use and freely combine the following functions and components:
- generating documents and reports,
- taking and sending photos,
- using maps and collecting locations,
- using the calendar,
- barcode and QR code scanning,
- sorting and filtering data,
- integration with other applications using API.
Appsheet app you can create
AppSheet is most often used to create mobile and web apps that automate workflows and integrate other tools. Apps you can design with the tool can:
- Monitor the status of your stock in Google Sheets and send notifications when it drops below a certain level.
- Help in carrying out stock inventories. After scanning all your products with your mobile device, the application will generate a report comparing the actual state with the theoretical one. It will tell you which products are running low.
- Collect information about the location of the shipment and send appropriate notifications to customers.
- Draft price quotes and contracts based on data collected in Google Forms.
- Establish shift schedules and send them to employees in PDF files.
These are just a few examples of processes and workflows AppSheet can help you automate. There are countless ways to use the platform in your daily work.
Sample apps
If the problem you want to solve with AppSheet is quite common, chances are an app already exists. Check whether such a tool is available in the extensive database of sample apps. You can use the pre-prepared templates as a basis for creating your own app with a personalised design.
You can find a wide selection of AppSheet templates on platform website. They include programs for creating kanban boards, business trips accounting, task management, resource reservation or route planning.
Creating an app in Google AppSheet – step-by-step instructions
Depending on what type of applications you want to create – their functions, capabilities, interface or components – this process may be different each time. However, generally speaking, in order to create an app on the platform, you need to complete the following eight steps:
1. Data preparation
Open Google Sheets or another data source containing your own data which you want to base your app on. Format the file appropriately. In this step, it will be particularly important to mark the column headings appropriately by bolding them.
You can find detailed information on how to prepare your data so that the AppSheet wizard can properly identify it on the Google documentation website.
2. Connect AppSheet to your data source
Google AppSheet does not store data, but only interacts with it on an ongoing basis. For this process to go smoothly, it is necessary to permanently connect these elements. You can do this in two ways:
- From the platform – in the AppSheet panel in the upper left corner, click the button Create, then select an option App > Start with existing data. In the pop-up window, complete the name and category of the tool you are creating. After clicking the button Choose your data, a list will appear from which you can select a data source or add a new one.
- From a data source – You can perform the same action via an AppSheet-connected data source. For example, to do it in Google Sheets, click in the menu Extensions > AppSheet, and then select an option Create an app.
3. Get to know the editor’s capabilities
After connecting AppSheet to the data source, you will be taken to the editor where your application has already been pre-created. Each of its subpages is a View. Depending on what data has been entered into AppSheet, the views will differ. For example, the application can already pre-load a map, calendar or checkboxes into the application interface. You can edit the views, which you will do in one of the following steps using the menu on the left side of the panel.
4. Indicate how the data will be used
However, before you refine the interface of your app, define how it should use the information from the data source. You will do this in the Data tab, where you can add new tables and edit data already on the platform (e.g. by indicating its type). You can find detailed information about the possibilities of this section in AppSheet documentation.
5. Create Views and customise the interface
Now comes the time to refine the appearance of the application in the tab Views. Here, first connect the designed view with its data source. Then select the view type (you can choose calendar, maps, charts or information panels, among others) and refine the appearance of the elements that will appear on the screen. While you are working, you can see how the interface you have developed will appear to users on an ongoing basis. You will find additional information on this topic here.
6. Prepare automations
In the bookmark Automation you can define actions that will be performed automatically when certain conditions are met. Each such process consists of three elements that need to be defined. And they are:
- Events that trigger automation. Such an incident may be, for example, a new entry in the database (“When a new row is added to the spreadsheet, then…”) or a specific date (“Every day at 00:01…”).
- Actions, i.e. activities to be performed after a previously specified event occurs. An action may be to send an e-mail or generate a report.
- Processes that allow you to divide automation into smaller steps and indicate the conditions for their implementation.
You will find documentation describing the possibilities of creating automation on this page.
7. Refine other aspects
You can also specify other components of your app on the platform. Application security is one such feature: you can decide whether login is required to use it, whether users must use two-factor authentication, or whether the app can be shared outside a specific domain.
8. Test the application and make it available to users
Once you’re ready, share your app with other users so they can test it out. To do this, select the icon Share in the upper right corner of the screen. Finally, insert the addresses of the people who will test your tool.
Once testing is complete, deploy your app via Deploy Section in the Manage tab.
How much does Google AppSheet cost?
The Google AppSheet platform is available in four subscription plans: Starter, Core, Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus. Their prices are as follows:
- AppSheet Starter – $5 per user per month;
- AppSheet Core – $10 per user per month;
- AppSheet Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus – the price is determined individually.
What’s more, AppSheet Core subscriptions are available completely free to users of selected Google Workspace plans. Until recently, only users of Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Education Plus could use them without additional fees. But the service is now extended to more plans.
AppSheet Core is now available completely free in the following Google Workspace packages:
- Business Starter, Standard and Plus;
- Enterprise Starter, Standard, Plus and Essentials Plus;
- Frontline Starter and Frontline Standard;
- Education Standard and Plus;
- Google Workspace for nonprofits.
It is worth remembering that the basic AppSheet platform is available without additional fees. The free version allows you to create app designs and share them with up to 10 users for testing.
Google AppSheet in practice – let FOTC help you get started
FOTC engineers have long appreciated the advantages of Google AppSheet. They use this tool in their daily work to create, among others: an app that automates the onboarding process of new employees in the company and a tool for accepting and handling orders for our clients.
If you need an app that will improve workflows in your company, automate processes and help your team in their jobs, be sure to contact us. FOTC engineers will be happy to help you.
Also remember that you can count on our help in other Google Workspace matters. We are a certified Google Cloud Partner, and offer our clients 24/7 tech support, assistance in migrating from their current work environment, security audits and specialised workshops. Contact our team and check what we can do for your company.
