Have you ever needed to import data from one Google Sheets file to another? Well, lucky for you, the Importrange function in Google Sheets is here to save the day! And the good news is, it works even better when combined with Named Ranges. In this article, we’ll show you how to import data using Importrange and make your life easier by using Named Ranges.
How to Import Named Ranges in Google Sheets
Let’s start by quickly refreshing our memory on what the Importrange function does. It allows you to import data from one workbook to another. However, did you know that you can replace the range parameter in Importrange with Named Ranges? This makes the function even more powerful and flexible.
But before we dive into the details, I want to clarify one thing. If you try to import data from someone else’s Google Sheets by simply grabbing their URL, it won’t work. You need to have permission to use the URLs in Importrange. Once you have the necessary access, you can “Allow Access” in the cell that contains the import formula, which usually returns a #REF! error on the first use.
Now, let’s get to the juicy part – how to Import Named Ranges in Google Sheets!
Step 1: Define Named Ranges in the Source Sheet
To get started, open the source sheet (let’s call it “File A”) and select the range of cells you want to import. Right-click on the selection and choose “Define named range” from the context menu. Give your named range a descriptive name, such as “Div_A” for Division A data. Repeat this process for any other ranges you want to import, giving each one a unique name.
Step 2: Use Named Ranges in the Importrange Formula
Now that you have defined your named ranges in the source sheet, it’s time to use them in the import formula. In the destination sheet (let’s call it “File B”), enter the following formula in the cell where you want the imported data to appear:
=importrange("source_sheet_url", "Named_Range")Replace “source_sheet_url” with the URL of the source sheet (File A) and “Named_Range” with the name of the named range you want to import. For example, if you defined a named range called “Div_A” in File A, the formula would look like this:
=importrange("https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fuzAP1Yg2NRwxumDkDicrjT5nmUNyE-JtrwObXdZqeg/edit#gid=0", "Div_A")By using named ranges instead of specific cell ranges, you add flexibility and dynamism to your import formula. If the data in the source sheet changes or you add or remove columns, the named range will automatically adjust, ensuring that your imported data stays up to date.
The Benefits of Using Named Ranges in Importrange
Now that you know how to import named ranges in Google Sheets, let’s talk about the advantages it offers:
Benefit 1: Dynamic Range Adjustment
By using named ranges, you can ensure that your import formula adapts to changes in the source data. For example, let’s say you insert a new column in the Division A tab of File A. If you were using a specific cell range in your import formula, the imported data in File B would miss the last column. However, with named ranges, the import formula will automatically adjust to include the new column, ensuring that your data stays complete.
Benefit 2: Data Validation Integration
Another benefit of using named ranges in Importrange is the ability to integrate them with data validation drop-down menus. Let’s say you want to create a drop-down menu in File B that allows you to choose between importing Division A and Division B data from File A. With named ranges, you can create a data validation drop-down menu that contains the named ranges “Div_A” and “Div_B”. Then, by using the selected named range in your import formula, you can dynamically import the corresponding data.
Conclusion
Importing data using Importrange in Google Sheets is already a powerful feature, but when combined with Named Ranges, it becomes even more flexible and dynamic. By defining named ranges in the source sheet and using them in your import formula, you can ensure that your data stays up to date and easily adjust to changes in the source data. So go ahead and give it a try!
For more exciting Google Sheets tips and tricks, visit Crawlan.com. Happy importing!
