[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” module_class=”sheetgo-post” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
A well-formatted spreadsheet isn\u2019t just about looks\u2014it\u2019s about clarity, efficiency, and better decision-making. Whether you\u2019re tracking budgets, inventory, or customer data, the right formatting ensures key insights don\u2019t get lost in a sea of numbers.<\/p>\n
Use different fonts or cell colors to separate data sets, highlight data with tables and borders, or optimize it with number formatting like percentages or currency.\u00a0 Proper formatting is key to craft sheets that are easy to navigate.<\/span><\/p>\n What happens when we manually transfer this data to another file? We lose this beautifully organized formatting. Furthermore, manually transferring this data wastes precious time, and can also increase human errors.<\/span><\/p>\n So how can we automatically transfer data along with formatting in Google Sheets? Both <\/span>IMPORTRANGE<\/span><\/a> and the workspace automation tool <\/span>Sheetgo<\/span><\/a> provide an answer \u2013 let\u2019s compare both options.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n IMPORTRANGE is a widely used function that can import data from one Google Sheet file to another. Formulas in spreadsheets can be a little intimidating at first, but they are well worth the time. <\/span>Learn how to use IMPORTRANGE<\/span><\/a> with instructions and tips to use this tool effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite its power, IMPORTRANGE is limited when it comes to maintaining formatting. It transfers raw data but not format options like weight, size, color, or background.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a look at IMPORTRANGE\u2019s copy formatting on actual imported data.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n As you can see, IMPORTRANGE has successfully transferred all of the data formatting (such as currency and percentages number formatting), but has failed to maintain all of its visual formatting. Font weight, font size and cell color have been lost.<\/span><\/p>\n Overall, this function is a great option if you are confident with formulas and only need to transfer raw data. However, there is no way to IMPORTRANGE Google Sheets with formatting. If you are creating data sets that require a lot of visual formatting, then you need Sheetgo.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”copy” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Sheetgo automatically transfers data between files using connections, you can choose specific ranges or you can even choose to carry over formatting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike IMPORTRANGE, Sheetgo requires no technical expertise, allowing for quick and convenient data transfer. Additionally, Sheetgo can transfer font weight, size, color, and background with its copy formatting feature.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”first” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Follow these instructions to use Sheetgo as Google Sheets add-on.<\/span><\/p>\n Or <\/span>install the Sheetgo add-on<\/span><\/a> directly from the Google Workspace Marketplace.<\/span><\/p>\n Once you have successfully installed the Sheetgo add-on in Google Sheets, you can use it anytime you need to transfer data.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”how” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Let\u2019s go through a step-by-step of how to use Sheetgo to transfer data with copy formatting:<\/span><\/p>\n 1\ufe0f\u20e3 Start on the spreadsheet with the data you would like to transfer. Make sure you name this file clearly to avoid confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n 2\ufe0f\u20e3 <\/span>In the navigation menu, click Extensions and select the Sheetgo add-on. Press Start.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Formatting-importrange-3-scaled.webp” alt=”Copy formatting importrange” title_text=”Formatting – importrange 3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 3\ufe0f\u20e3 The Sheetgo add-on will appear as a sidebar on the right-hand side of your Google Sheets. To send this data to another spreadsheet click <\/span>Select data <\/b>under Export data.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Formatting-importrange-4-scaled.webp” alt=”Copy formatting importrange” title_text=”Formatting – importrange 4″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 4\ufe0f\u20e3 Information on this file will come up. Under the File tab section, make sure you select the correct tab that has your data.<\/span><\/p>\n Optional: choose a specific range<\/strong> instead of the entire tab<\/span><\/p>\n Then press on Copy cell styles and values format<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Formatting-importrange-5-scaled.webp” alt=”Copy formatting importrange” title_text=”Formatting – importrange 5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 5\ufe0f\u20e3 Now choose where to send your data. Because we want to send our data to another Google Sheet, click <\/span>Google Sheets<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n Choose whether you want to export your data to a new or existing file. Make sure you provide a clear File name and choose your Destination folder. Once you are happy with the destination, press <\/span>Finish and save<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Formatting-importrange-6-scaled.webp” alt=”Copy formatting importrange” title_text=”Formatting – importrange 6″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n 6\ufe0f\u20e3 <\/span>Your data is now connected. You should now have a new file with your exported data and copy formatting.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Formatting-importrange-7-scaled.webp” alt=”Copy formatting importrange” title_text=”Formatting – importrange 7″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Unlike IMPORTRANGE, Sheetgo doesn\u2019t just move raw data\u2014it gives you full control over what and how you import. With IMPORTRANGE 2.0<\/strong>, you can now: \u25b6\ufe0f Watch the video below and learn how to copy formatting in Google Sheets with the IMPORTRANGE formula.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jYrmq3cWecQ” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text module_id=”formatting” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n And there you have it! With Sheetgo, you can import any formatted data automatically between Google Sheets quickly and effectively, maintaining the original formatting.<\/span><\/p>\n Take a look at the following blog post for <\/span>an in-depth comparison between the functionalities of Sheetgo and IMPORTRANGE<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ background_color=”#f9f9ff” custom_margin=”40px||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”15px|25px|15px|25px|true|true” border_width_left=”3px” border_color_left=”#808e95″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note<\/strong>: This is a revised version of a previous post that has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A well-formatted spreadsheet isn\u2019t just about looks\u2014it\u2019s about clarity, efficiency, and better decision-making. Whether you\u2019re tracking budgets, inventory, or customer data, the right formatting ensures key insights don\u2019t get lost in a sea of numbers. Use different fonts or cell colors to separate data sets, highlight data with tables and borders, or optimize it with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":41340,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Smart data organization is critical to the success of a company or project. Data needs to be well formatted so that people can actually understand and use it. Raw data might be great to feed into machines, but humans need data that is efficiently structured and designed. You can emphasize and differentiate data using different fonts or cell colors. Tables and borders can be used to isolate or highlight certain sections. You can use various date formats or bring in alternative number formats, such as percentages, represent different currency types, or embed images within a cell. The ways to represent data are limitless.<\/span>\n\nGood formatting helps users contextualize data. But what happens when you need to transfer data between files? All of that hard to create beautifully represented data can be undone in the click of a button.<\/span>\n\nSome users will manually transfer spreadsheet data, but that is a serious waste of time and can limit an organization's ability to make important decisions or operate as fast as their industry does. There can also be problems with human error or keeping track of updates. People need to be able to automatically import data and preserve the formatting. So how can we do it? Let\u2019s discuss IMPORTRANGE and Sheetgo<\/span>\u2014both the benefits and limitations,<\/span>\nWhat is the IMPORTRANGE function?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Copy Google Sheets specific ranges with format using Sheetgo<\/span><\/h2>\n
First, add the Sheetgo add-on to Google Sheets<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
How to use Sheetgo to transfer data with copy formatting<\/h4>\n
\u2705 Import specific data ranges instead of full sheets
\u2705 Transfer font weight, size, color, and background
\u2705 Automate updates without breaking formulas
\u2705 Maintain formatting for cleaner, professional-looking reports<\/p>\nCopy formatting with IMPORTRANGE<\/h4>\n
IMPORTRANGE<\/span><\/h2>\nIMPORTRANGE is a widely used formula to import data from one Google Sheet into another. Not between tabs, but between different files. Using IMPORTRANGE to preserve formats with takes a bit of technical skill. Using formulas within spreadsheets can be a bit daunting for non-technical people. Here is a <\/span>primer on IMPORTRANGE<\/span><\/a> if you don\u2019t know how to use it with instructions and tips.<\/span>\n\nIf you are familiar with using formulas<\/span> it is very easy and quick to apply. However, it faces some limitations regarding the transfer of formatting. Because of this, you cannot always maintain the visual look of the source sheet.<\/span>\n\nFor instance, IMPORTRANGE cannot import font formatting. You will lose font weight, size, color, and background. IMPORTRANGE also does not import images. For people working with raw data, this will not be much of an issue. But people who create highly visual spreadsheets, or depend on images within certain cells, will encounter a lot of problems using IMPORTRANGE to transfer data. <\/span>Figure 2<\/b> demonstrates a data transfer from <\/span>Figure 1<\/b> using IMPORTRANGE and how it fails to import formatting. The font weight cell size and image have been lost.<\/span>\n\nFigure 1<\/b>: Example source formatting<\/span>\n\nFigure 2<\/b>: Formatting import using IMPORTRANGE<\/span>\n
Is There an Alternative?<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you need to import data into a new Google Sheet file and preserve the formatting, then Sheetgo can help you. Sheetgo is an add-on for Google Sheets<\/a> designed to help people transfer data quickly and conveniently with no technical expertise. Add-ons are powerful tools that increase the capabilities of Google Sheets and allow users to do so much more with their data.<\/span>\n\nSheetgo makes connecting, filtering, and appending data as easy as the click of a button. It is capable of preserving visual formatting, as you can see in <\/span>Figure 3<\/b>. <\/span>\n\nHowever, it too has one formatting limitation. Sheetgo only maintains the initial source formatting. This means the format that you bring in <\/span>the first time that you import<\/b> the data. In other words, if you change the source formatting after the first import, Sheetgo will not import and apply the new formatting from the original file. For example, if you change the color of a font, this won\u2019t be represented after an update. This can complicate things if you redesign your data but don\u2019t import the new format.<\/span>\n\nIf you change the source formatting, you simply need to delete the old connection from the Sheetgo sidebar on the right side of your screen and replace it with a new one. Although this might be changed in later versions, it is something to keep in mind for now when using Sheetgo to your data fully up to date.<\/span>\n\nFigure 3<\/b>: Successful import of the source formatting using Sheetgo<\/span>\n\nUsers that need to transfer data and formats between Google Sheets files will find that Sheetgo is the best option to maintain the integrity of the visual representation of their data. Install and try the Sheetgo add-on for Google Sheets by clicking here<\/a>.<\/span>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[43,28],"class_list":["post-9060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-solve-with-sheetgo","tag-sheetgo","tag-spreadsheets"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9060"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9060\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sheetgo.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}