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How to make Zapier detect new spreadsheet columns correctly


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  • Beginner
  • 10 replies

Hey all, I have a simple zap that works this way:

  1. people fill a form
  2. the form populates a spreadsheet
  3. when a new row is detected, a zap begins

I recently had to add a few fields to my form, and that translated into additional columns appearing in my spreadsheet. I turned off the zap and when accessing the “test” section of my trigger, I see that Zapier is recording the new entries and all their values, but it’s not detecting the new columns, meaning that the values are now 2-3 positions away from their correct fields. I tried pulling new records, but it didn’t solve anything. This is part of a fairly complex Zap so re-creating it from scratch would be a disaster for me. 

How can I make Zapier detect the new columns correctly? Thanks!

Best answer by Mtx

Hello! I eventually duplicated the entire zap and this allowed me to resurface new columns. Thanks! :)

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12 replies

Troy Tessalone
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Hi ​@Mtx 

For us to have more info, post screenshots showing:

  • how your GSheet top 3 rows are configured
  • how your related Zap steps are configured in EDIT mode with the field mappings visible

 

I’d recommend using Airtable instead of GSheets to avoid some of the shortcomings with GSheets.


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  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 10 replies
  • March 16, 2025

Here are the requested screenshots, thanks Troy!


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  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 10 replies
  • March 16, 2025

Here are the requested screenshots, thanks ​@Troy Tessalone !


Troy Tessalone
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@Mtx 

What about the other screenshots?

  • how your related Zap steps are configured in EDIT mode with the field mappings visible

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  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 10 replies
  • March 17, 2025

Hello ​@Troy Tessalone , I’m not sure I am following you, sorry!

Here’s is the full Zap structure, and one of the steps opened in edit mode with some of the fields mapped based on the source sheet.


Troy Tessalone
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@Mtx 

If you added new Columns to the GSheet, and not at the end of the existing Column, then you would need to remap the Zap steps for any variables to/from GSheets step.


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  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 10 replies
  • March 17, 2025
Troy Tessalone wrote:

@Mtx 

If you added new Columns to the GSheet, and not at the end of the existing Column, then you would need to remap the Zap steps for any variables to/from GSheets step.

@Troy Tessalone yes, and I am prepared for remapping with the new variables. The problem is that while the new values that refer to the new columns are detected by Zapier, the added column headers are not detected, leading to misplaced values (see screenshot with red arrows)


Troy Tessalone
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@Mtx 

I haven’t seen that issue before.

Make sure all of your columns have headers.

Make sure there are no gap columns/rows.


Troy Tessalone
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@Mtx 

An alternative approach would be to use Airtable instead of GSheets.

https://zapier.com/apps/airtable/integrations#triggers-and-actions


SamB
Community Manager
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  • Community Manager
  • 7657 replies
  • March 19, 2025

​Hey ​@Mtx, just checking in—were you able to get the new columns appearing in the Zap?

Keen to ensure this gets sorted so let us know if you still need any help with this! 🙂


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  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 10 replies
  • Answer
  • March 19, 2025

Hello! I eventually duplicated the entire zap and this allowed me to resurface new columns. Thanks! :)


ken.a
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  • Zapier Staff
  • 6510 replies
  • March 20, 2025

That’s awesome ​@Mtx! We’re glad to hear that the issue is now resolved!

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Community. We’re always happy to help! 🤗


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