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is there a simpler way to do this?

 

Hi ​@aris,

 

To simplify batch item replacements using Zapier, start by identifying the source and destination of the data, such as spreadsheets or databases. Zapier's Formatter tool can help perform bulk find-and-replace operations, while the Storage by Zapier app helps manage key-value data. Google Sheets is a strong option for handling lists, as you can trigger Zaps based on updated rows and apply transformations using formulas or Zapier steps. The "Code by Zapier" action lets you write custom JavaScript or Python for more complex scenarios. If Zapier's built-in tools fall short, consider integrating more flexible platforms like Airtable. While Zapier doesn't natively support loops, you can simulate them by triggering actions for each item in a sequence. Always test your workflow with a small batch first, and refine it by eliminating unnecessary steps.

Feel free to share additional information or ask for further assistance.


Hi ​@aris,

 

To simplify batch item replacements using Zapier, start by identifying the source and destination of the data, such as spreadsheets or databases. Zapier's Formatter tool can help perform bulk find-and-replace operations, while the Storage by Zapier app helps manage key-value data. Google Sheets is a strong option for handling lists, as you can trigger Zaps based on updated rows and apply transformations using formulas or Zapier steps. The "Code by Zapier" action lets you write custom JavaScript or Python for more complex scenarios. If Zapier's built-in tools fall short, consider integrating more flexible platforms like Airtable. While Zapier doesn't natively support loops, you can simulate them by triggering actions for each item in a sequence. Always test your workflow with a small batch first, and refine it by eliminating unnecessary steps.

Feel free to share additional information or ask for further assistance.

i didn’t really understand what you’re trying to suggest but here’s what i did i made a google sheet with 2 columns one for the find values and one for replace values converted that to line items using utilities in zapier but when i tried it in the replace formatter in zapier it doesn’t really work and i think it’s because the replace tool only works with 1 line of text and not multiples. do you know any more ways to do this and if so can you explain it more clearly with screenshots would be highly appreciated
 

 


Hi ​@aris,

 

I sincerely apologize for the confusion. In order to perform a multi-line find-and-replace using Zapier, set up a Google Sheet with "Find" and "Replace" columns, and use the "Formatter by Zapier" to convert these into line items. Since Zapier doesn't natively loop through line items for replacements, add a "Code by Zapier" step using JavaScript to iterate through each pair and apply the changes to your target text. If coding isn't feasible, you can create multiple steps or Zaps for each replacement, though that's less efficient for large sets.

If you need further assistance or more detailed guidance, please get in touch with Zapier Support, who can provide additional help and possibly offer more tailored solutions.


Hi ​@aris,

 

I sincerely apologize for the confusion. In order to perform a multi-line find-and-replace using Zapier, set up a Google Sheet with "Find" and "Replace" columns, and use the "Formatter by Zapier" to convert these into line items. Since Zapier doesn't natively loop through line items for replacements, add a "Code by Zapier" step using JavaScript to iterate through each pair and apply the changes to your target text. If coding isn't feasible, you can create multiple steps or Zaps for each replacement, though that's less efficient for large sets.

If you need further assistance or more detailed guidance, please get in touch with Zapier Support, who can provide additional help and possibly offer more tailored solutions.

I see. I bought Zapier to avoid coding and still be able to automate my tasks. Now you’re telling me the only possible way is to code. Great service! I would highly recommend not renewing your subscriptions.


Hey there, ​@aris 👋

i didn’t really understand what you’re trying to suggest but here’s what i did i made a google sheet with 2 columns one for the find values and one for replace values converted that to line items using utilities in zapier but when i tried it in the replace formatter in zapier it doesn’t really work and i think it’s because the replace tool only works with 1 line of text and not multiples. do you know any more ways to do this and if so can you explain it more clearly with screenshots would be highly appreciated

You’re right, although that Formatter (Text > Replace Text) action has the ability to receive and output line items its not expecting to receive set of line items as the value to search for (in the Find field). It’s designed to search for a single value, so that’s indeed why it’s not working. You would need to have multiple Formatter steps replacing the different values.

Alternatively, perhaps you could use a lookup table approach to convert the line item values. Check out our Create lookup tables in Zaps guide to learn more about how to set them up.

I see. I bought Zapier to avoid coding and still be able to automate my tasks. Now you’re telling me the only possible way is to code. Great service! I would highly recommend not renewing your subscriptions.

Totally hear you on that! I would just like to clarify that Code actions have a AI functionality built in that can generate the code for you, so even if you use a Code action step in your Zap you don’t actually have to do any coding! You can learn more about that feature here: Generate a Code step using AI.

Hope that helps to point you in the right direction. If you get stuck at all just let me know—happy to assist further! 🙂