Follow the step-by-step instructions to set up an update request.
Send update requests to get updated by any collaborator on key rows, regardless of whether they have a Smartsheet account or are shared to the sheet. Choose which columns you would like collaborators to see in your requests, and send them at specific times or on a recurring basis. Colleagues, contractors, consultants, clients, and others can all easily respond on any device by using a simple form to add or change information.
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Automatically request updates on tasks
Build the workflow from scratch or use the template provided in the workflow gallery and customize it to your needs.
To automate update requests
- On the menu bar, select Automation > Create workflow from template.
- In the Popular Templates section, select Request an update every week.
- Select Use template.
- Customize the template as needed.
Depending on your automation permissions, you can send an update request to anyone with an email address—even if they aren't shared to the source sheet.
Manage pending update requests
If a row has pending updates, the system highlights the icon in the Row Action Indicators column.
To manage pending update requests for the row
- In the Row Action Indicators column, select View pending update request for this row
.
The Update Requests dialog appears, and you can see pending updates for the row.
Use this dialog to:
- View actions you take on the update request: Hover your pointer over the row. Then, in the right side of the row, select
. - View the update request details in two ways:
- Select the row.
- Hover your pointer over the row. Then, select > Details.
- Sort the requests: Select the headers. For example, to sort the requests by date, select Sent.
- Delete the update request: Hover your pointer over the row. Then, select > Details.
Only sheet Owners and Admins can delete an update request.
Read-only fields in update requests
You cannot edit some information from update requests unless you sign in to Smartsheet and go to the sheet directly.
The following fields appear as read-only in an update request:
- Fields with formulas.
- Start Dates and Finish Dates with a dependency, but you can edit the Duration field.
- Predecessors do not appear in an update request.
- Locked columns.
Locked rows and columns in update requests
- If you are a recipient with Editor-level permissions or lower: Locked rows still appear in the update request, but you cannot edit those rows.
- If you are the sheet Owner or Admin: You can edit locked rows from the update request.