AppSheet has become one of the most popular platforms in recent years that helps build an application. Over 200,000 businesses and creators have already used this platform to make the best applications.

Here, we explore the basics of AppSheet, benefits, and functioning.

What is AppSheet?

Google AppSheet is a no-code platform that lets users make high-quality mobile applications. It is a cloud-based platform. You don’t need to know coding to operate this platform.

AppSheet helps create applications for whatever requirement you have. It can build applications for desktops and mobiles alike. AppSheet is most commonly used to make applications for project management, marketing, work tracking, data collection, etc.

AppSheet, as a company, was established in 2012. By 2020, it was acquired by Google. Even before Google’s acquisition, the company managed to have integrations with popular Google Workspace services like Google Forms, Google Sheets, Office 365, etc.

AppSheet offers numerous services like sending emails, delivering notifications, capturing pictures, scanning barcodes, etc. So, the users can make a fully functional application using this platform. Also, the applications made using AppSheet can work offline.

AppSheet Features

Some of the most noted and popular features of AppSheet are as follows.

  • It can create customized applications based on your business needs.
  • It provides the facility to use barcodes, forms, photos, signatures, etc.
  • It helps with developing bots for automation.
  • Users can incorporate advanced technological inventions into the application.
  • The platform integrates with Google Sheets, Gmail, etc.
  • You can use the platform to integrate with SQL databases, REST APIs, etc.
  • The platform provides many application templates.

Who Should Use AppSheet?

AppSheet should be used by anyone interested in creating quality applications. AppSheet is suitable even for people who are not familiar with coding.

AppSheet is also ideal for businesses and companies developing quick and efficient applications.

AppSheet is helpful to people who need to bring automation to their businesses and projects.

The most significant advantage of using AppSheet is that it can be easily linked with many existing cloud services and applications. So, businesses and individuals can use it to manage processes and data effectively.

Following are some of the instances where AppSheet is most widely used:

  • Creating a tracking application to send notifications to its users.
  • Making an application for project management that is linked to Google Sheets.
  • Making inventory applications.
  • Creating a productivity application that links multiple third-party applications.

AppSheet Advantages

There are some significant advantages to using AppSheet in your business.

Some of them are as follows.

  • AppSheet develops applications quickly.
  • It provides easy-to-use features to the users.
  • It supports data collection from all kinds of sources.
  • It integrates with various platforms.
  • AppSheet offers machine learning abilities.
  • It supports the possibility of working with teams.

How Does AppSheet Work?

AppSheet works in the following steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Data

As the first step of using AppSheet, you have to open your database for the new application.

It can be Google Sheets, Cloud SQL, Excel, etc. Experts advise categorizing the data in columns and rows with suitable headers.

Step 2: Linking AppSheet with the Data

It is important to remember that AppSheet never hosts any of your data. Instead, it actually integrates the data source with it to get data.

Connecting the AppSheet to your data source in two ways is possible.

  • Through the My Apps page.
  • Through Google Sheets. Click Extensions > AppSheet > Create an App.

When you link to the AppSheet directly from the Google Sheets, it will remain the application’s default data source.

Step 3: Previewing the Application

When you enter the AppSheet, you will immediately get a preview of your new application. On the left side of the window, there will be the Menu option with many editing options.

The major editing options available include:

  • Home
  • Info
  • Data
  • UX
  • Automation
  • Security
  • Intelligence
  • Users
  • Manage

Step 4: Specifying the Usage of Data

You must specify on the AppSheet how you plan the application to use the data. For that, go to the Data tab on AppSheet, click on the Tables option, and then the New Table option.

If you click on the Data tab and the Columns option, you can choose what you want to do with the data on each of the columns available. Likewise, there are numerous commands available on the Data tab.

You need not worry about giving the wrong instructions on the Data tab. Because it is possible to come back to the platform and edit any settings whenever you need.

Step 5: Creating Views and Customizing the Look

You can easily customize the feel and look of the application using a number of options available in the AppSheet. Some of the options include:

  • View Type
  • Position
  • Display Section
  • View Options
  • For this Data

Step 6: Making Bots for Automation

You can easily make a bot for running various functions on your new application. You have to click on the New Bot option first. Then, enter the job description of the bot on the slot that appears.

You can create bots for all kinds of functions, including the following.

  • Sending notifications
  • Sending emails
  • Sending SMS
  • Updating data
  • Creating and updating reports

Step 7: Testing and Launching the Application

Once you finish the app development, you can easily share it with whoever you want. On AppSheet, you can use the Users option to share the application with others. You only have to enter the recipients’ email addresses in the given slot to start sharing.

The people who receive the application can use it in two ways.

  1. Download and install the application to the system.
  1. Open the application in the browser.

You can also add a message for the recipients while sharing the application.

After sharing the application and testing all the features of the application, you can deploy it. To deploy the application, you have to follow the instructions below.

Manage > Deploy > Deployment > Run Deployment Check > Move App to Deployed State.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is AppSheet owned by Google?

AppSheet is owned by Google. Google bought AppSheet in 2020. It is now a part of Google Workspace.

2. Is AppSheet only for mobile?

AppSheet is not only for mobile. You can use it on various desktops, too. AppSheet is also available on all Android and iOS devices.

Do you have AppSheet requirements? Feel free to reach out to Cloudasta and connect with experts who can help you with your requirements.

Cloudasta, Google Workspace Productivity & Migration Experts

Your one-stop partner for seamless migrations, expert advisory, support, and training.