Getting started
Import data
App types
Filters and
keywords
Templates
Embed apps
in your website
Go further with Awesome Table
Add-ons
Troubleshooting
Data security and policies
Billing

Step 1: Create and set up your data source

In this article, you'll learn how to set up your Google spreadsheet or Microsoft Excel for Office 365 data source.
info This article is for Google users and Microsoft users. Select the appropriate tabs where the instructions differ.

Create a blank data source

First, create a spreadsheet where you'll store the data to use in your app.

In Google Drive or a shared drive, select New > Google Sheets.

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Name your spreadsheet as required.

not_interested Don't use special characters like &, ? or ! in the name of your spreadsheet.

In OneDrive, select New > Excel workbook.

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Name your spreadsheet as required.

not_interested Don't use special characters like &, ? or ! in the name of your spreadsheet.

In SharePoint, under Documents, select New > Excel workbook.

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info If SharePoint is included in your Microsoft O365 plan, we strongly recommend storing all your Excel files in SharePoint.

Name your spreadsheet as required.

not_interested Don't use special characters like &, ? or ! in the name of your spreadsheet.

Enter data in your data source

Fill in your data source with the data you want to display in your app. In our example, we added entries such as Photo, First Name, Last Name, Department, Email Address, etc.

warning You must enter your data in columns, without any other information in the sheet.

        If you add images, they must be stored in one of the following:
          – Google Drive
          – OneDrive
          – SharePoint

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You can make a copy of our People Directory spreadsheet at any stage during the tutorial. Follow the link below to open the Google spreadsheet, then select File > Make a copy.

Get Google Sheets People Directory (no filters or keywords)

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You can make a copy of our People Directory spreadsheet at any stage during the tutorial. Follow the link below, then click the Download button.

Get Excel People Directory (no filters or keywords)

Set up your data source

Format your data source as follows:

  • The first row is for column headers.
  • The remaining rows are for your data.
info  In step 3 of this tutorial Customize how data is displayed in your app, you'll add filters and keywords to customize your app. Filters and keywords must be located in the second row of your spreadsheet.

Share your data source

Share your data source to define who will have access to your app. Only people who have access to your spreadsheet can see your Awesome Table app.

info  Learn more if you have a Microsoft Outlook.com (or Hotmail) account: Allow other people to edit your app.

Below are the recommended sharing settings for your data source.

1. Click Share.

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2. Click Get link.

3. Select either:

  • Restricted: define the specific users who can access your spreadsheet
  • Anyone with the link: users will have access to your app without having to sign in to their Google account

4. Define whether your users are Viewers, Contributors or Commenters. 

5. Click Done.

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info This article from Google explains about sharing settings: Share files from Google Drive

 

info If you're using Microsoft Excel, only people within your domain can access your Awesome Table app.

1. Select the Excel file from your SharePoint documents, then click Share.

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2. Click People in [your organization] with the link can edit.

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3. Select People in [your organization] with the link (or click Specific people to choose specific users from your domain).

info If required, unselect Allow editing.

4. Click the Apply button. 

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navigate_nextNext article:

In the next article, you'll discover the Awesome Table web app and learn how to link your Google or Excel spreadsheet to your Awesome Table app.

 

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