Apps Script for Beginners

Automate your tasks on Google Sheets without coding

Discover Google Apps Script, the free automation tool already included in your Google Sheets, and learn to build your first automations easily with Gemini AI.

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What is Google Apps Script?

It is a wonderful extension already built into your Google Sheets (as well as Gmail, Drive, and Calendar). It lets you write short scripts to make tedious manual tasks disappear for you.

100% Free

Apps Script is completely free. There are no paid options or subscriptions, everything is included in your Google Account.

No installation

You don't need to install any software on your computer. Everything happens in your standard web browser.

Direct connection

The code connects to your favorite Google tools in a single line to exchange information (Sheets ➔ Gmail ➔ Drive).

Your first script in 2 minutes

To show you that programming is not mysterious or inaccessible, here is a very short example code. This script automatically detects if an invoice is "Unpaid" and sends a reminder email.

The script code: Code.gs

                            const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();
                        
                            const data = sheet.getDataRange().getValues();
                        
                            data.forEach((row) => {
                        
                            if (row[2] === "Non Payé") MailApp.sendEmail(...);

Click on the lines to translate them ➔

What each line does in plain English:

1. Connects to the currently open Google Sheet.

How to install it in 60 seconds?

Here are the 3 simple steps to add and run this code in your own document in less than a minute.

1

1. Open the editor

In your Google Sheet, click on Extensions at the top, then on Apps Script. A new tab opens.

2

2. Paste the code

Erase the default text that appears on the screen and paste the script code above.

3

3. Save and run

Click the floppy disk icon to save, then click the Run (Play) button. You're done!

Gemini Workspace Co-pilot

Gemini: Your translator to code without learning to code

Thanks to Google's Artificial Intelligence, you no longer need to memorize code syntax. Simply describe what you want to achieve in plain language to Gemini, and the AI will write the exact code ready to paste.

💡 Create a custom Apps Script 'Gem'

Configure Gemini to make all code easy to understand

You can create a custom Gemini assistant (a Gem) by providing it with clear instructions so that it comments and explains every script using simple, everyday words.

Open Gemini

Examples of prompts to give to Gemini:

"Create a Google Sheets script that sends an automated reminder email for every row where the status is 'Pending'."

"Write an Apps Script code that takes answers from my Google Forms to automatically generate a PDF invoice in Google Drive."

"Write a script to create an event in Google Calendar every time I add a new row to my Sheets table."

🛡️ Google Security Alert: Don't panic!

When you run a script for the very first time, Google displays a large red warning panel stating that the application isn't verified. This is a standard protection for all privately created scripts. Here is how to pass it safely:

1. Advanced Settings

On the warning panel, click on the Advanced link at the bottom left.

2. Force Access

Then, click on the small link Go to [Your Project Name] (unsafe). Don't worry, the script remains private and runs only inside your space.

3. Allow Access

A window summarizes what the script will access (read Sheets, send emails). Click Allow. Your data remains secure and private inside your Google account.

Frequently asked questions for beginners

Can I break my Google Sheets file?

Absolutely not! In the worst-case scenario, if the script has an error, it will just stop running and display an error message. Your original spreadsheet data will never be corrupted.

Is my personal data safe?

Yes. The script runs entirely inside your secure Google environment. No external service has access to your Sheets or emails, unless you explicitly program the script to connect to an external tool.

Can I use it with a free personal Gmail account?

Yes, absolutely. Google Apps Script is available to everyone, whether you use a free personal account (@gmail.com) or a professional Google Workspace account.

Ready to automate your first files?

Whether you want to take your first steps on your own with Gemini, or delegate the creation of a more robust custom automation, we are here to support your journey to efficiency.

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