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How to create an app from Google Sheets

Hugo Nunes • Updated on Oct 27, 2024 • 7 min read

Whether you're managing data for inventory, tracking employees, or handling client projects, Google Sheets offers a simple yet powerful tool to store your information. By creating an app from Google Sheets, you can turn your data into a user-friendly, easy to navigate that provides a seamless user experience.

The easiest and fastest way to build a web app using your Google Sheets data is by using Softr.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use your Google Sheets for app creation using Softr’s no-code platform. It's fast, efficient, and perfect for anyone looking to streamline operations and get more out of their Google Sheets—without writing a single line of code!

Step 1: Sign in or create a Softr account

First, log in to your Softr account. You can sign up for free if you don’t have an account yet.

Sign in to Softr or create a free account to build your app from Google Sheets.

To get started, go to the Softr homepage, click "Sign up for free," and follow the easy steps.

Step 2: Create a new application

Once logged in, navigate to your Softr dashboard and click the "Start from scratch" button. You can also click the “All templates” button on the left to choose from one of Softr’s customizable app templates.

Click "Start from scratch" or choose a template to create an app with Google Sheets data.

Softr’s flexible no-code platform means you can build almost any type of app your business needs. Softr offers a variety of templates to help you develop your app, like the Inventory Management, Employee Directory, or Sales CRM app templates.

Choose from Softr’s free template gallery to simplify your Google Sheets app creation process.

For this guide, I’ll use the Client Portal Template. Select your preferred template and click "Use Template" to proceed.

Select the Client Portal Template to create a Google Sheets-based app.

Related resource: Read our blog on how to use Google Sheets as a database to prepare your data

Step 3: Connect to Google Sheets

After choosing your template, you’ll be prompted to select a data source. Since we’re creating an app using Google Sheets, choose Google Sheets from the list of available source data, then click "Continue."

Connect Softr to your Google Sheets to pull real-time data into your custom app.

Next, connect Softr to your Google Sheets account. A window asking you to sign in to your Google account will pop up.

Sign in to your Google account to connect Softr to your Google Sheets data.

Choose the account where your data is stored, and then grant Softr access to your Google Sheets by clicking "Select All" and "Continue."

Grant Softr access to your Google Account.

This connection allows Softr to access your spreadsheet data to power your app.

Once your Google account is connected, click “Go to application.”

Application successfully connected in Softr.

Step 4: Choose your Google Sheets file and map data

Once Softr and Google Sheets are connected, you’ll need to choose the file you want to use for integration. Open one of the template blocks. On the right-side panel, under the Source tab, click the “Document” dropdown menu to select your Google Sheets file.

Choose your Google Sheets file to map the data directly to your app’s features and layout.

Choose the appropriate sheet and map the columns to the correct blocks of your app, connecting data to the proper places.

Step 5: Customize your new app

Now that integration is complete, it’s time to customize your new app to match your brand’s style and needs.

Modify your app's user interface by clicking “Theme” on the left menu to customize your font, colors and app styles.

Customize your app’s font, colors, app styles and more.

Adjust the block paddings, margins, colors, add a logo and more by clicking on any block to open a sidebar with style options.

Customize the app’s design to match your brand using styles.

You can also add new blocks to create additional sections in your app. Just click the "+" icon in the top-right corner and search for the block you need.