Google Sheets Create Spreadsheet

Create new Google Spreadsheets programmatically

Node Type

Action

Icon

Google Sheets

Overview

The Google Sheets Create Spreadsheet node allows you to create new Google Spreadsheets programmatically. This powerful automation tool integrates with Google Sheets API to provide intelligent spreadsheet creation capabilities for your workflows.

Key Features

• Automatic Creation: Create new spreadsheets with custom titles
• Default Configuration: Uses en_US locale and America/New_York timezone
• Instant Access: Get spreadsheet ID and URL immediately
• Seamless Integration: Works with other Google Sheets nodes
• Error Handling: Built-in success/failure tracking

Prerequisites

Google Integration

Must be connected to access Google Sheets API

Google account connected

Google Drive file scope granted

Permission to create new spreadsheets

Required Scopes

The following OAuth scopes are required for this node to function properly

https://www.googleapis.com/auth/drive.file

Node Configuration

Required Fields

title

Type:text

Required:Yes

Value Type:string

Title for the new spreadsheet. This will be the name displayed in Google Drive and the spreadsheet header.

Examples & Use Cases

Create Simple Spreadsheet

Create a new spreadsheet with a basic title

{
  "title": "My New Spreadsheet"
}

Creates a new spreadsheet titled "My New Spreadsheet" with default settings.

Dynamic Spreadsheet Creation

Create spreadsheets with dynamic titles using template variables

{
  "title": "{{workflow.timestamp}} - {{user.email}} Report"
}

Creates a spreadsheet with a timestamp and user email in the title for automated reporting.

Data Collection Workflow

Complete workflow for automated data collection and storage

Workflow Structure

📊 Create Spreadsheet → 📝 Write Headers → 🔄 For Each Data → 📈 Write Data → ✅ Send Notification

Create a new spreadsheet, set up headers, collect data from various sources, and populate the sheet automatically.

Template-Based Spreadsheet Creation

Create spreadsheets for different purposes with standardized naming

{
  "title": "{{workflow.name}} - {{date.today}} - {{workflow.id}}"
}

Creates spreadsheets with workflow name, current date, and workflow ID for easy organization and tracking.

Best Practices

Do's

• Use descriptive titles that include timestamps or identifiers
• Store the spreadsheetId for use with other Google Sheets nodes
• Check the success field before proceeding to next steps
• Use template variables for dynamic naming
• Consider including workflow or user context in titles
• Use the spreadsheetUrl to provide direct access links

Don'ts

• Don't create spreadsheets without a clear purpose
• Avoid using special characters that might cause issues
• Don't forget to handle the Error field
• Avoid creating too many spreadsheets in quick succession
• Don't hardcode titles when dynamic naming is better
• Avoid creating spreadsheets without proper organization

💡

Pro Tip: Use the spreadsheetId output with other Google Sheets nodes (Read, Write, Update Row) to immediately start working with your newly created spreadsheet. Combine with template variables for automated naming conventions.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Permission Errors

Symptoms: Node fails with insufficient permissions

Solution: Ensure your Google account connection has the drive.file scope. Check that you have permission to create files in your Google Drive. Verify the OAuth connection is properly configured.

Title Already Exists

Symptoms: Node succeeds but creates duplicate spreadsheets

Solution: Google Sheets allows duplicate titles. Use unique identifiers (timestamps, IDs) in titles to avoid confusion. Consider checking existing spreadsheets before creating new ones.

Empty Title Error

Symptoms: Node fails with 'title is required' error

Solution: Ensure the title field is not empty. Use a default value or template variable that always provides a non-empty string.

API Rate Limits

Symptoms: Node fails with rate limit errors

Solution: Google Sheets API has rate limits. Avoid creating many spreadsheets in quick succession. Consider adding delays between creation requests or batching operations.

Related Resources

Google Sheets Read Node

Read data from the newly created spreadsheet

Google Sheets Write Node

Write data to the newly created spreadsheet

Google Sheets Update Row Node

Update specific rows in the new spreadsheet

Set Value Node

Set constant values for spreadsheet titles

Node Library

Explore all available nodes