| name | google-sheets |
| description | Google Sheets browser automation pitfalls and workarounds. Use when automating Sheets via browser (clicking, typing, navigating cells). Not needed for rclone/CLI/MCP access. |
| user-invocable | false |
Google Sheets Browser Automation
Keyboard Shortcuts (Sheets ≠ Excel)
Ctrl+G does NOT work (that's Excel)- Navigate to cell: Accessibility → Go to range (most reliable), or Name Box click + type ref
- Tab danger: Escapes grid, cycles browser UI
- Arrow keys safer than Tab
Accessibility Menu (Preferred for Automation)
| Feature | Use |
|---|
| Go to range | Navigate to cell - preferred over Name Box |
| Selection | Verify current selection |
| Focus toolbar | Reset when lost in UI |
Verification Protocol
- Screenshot after every structural change
- Verify Name Box shows expected cell before typing
- Never chain 5+ keyboard actions without screenshot
- If something seems off - STOP and screenshot
Reliable Alternatives
- Accessibility → Go to range - Most reliable navigation
- JavaScript cell manipulation - Direct DOM access
- Batch data - Download CSV, modify, re-upload
Common Failures
- Name Box misclick → typed ref becomes cell data ("A12" as content)
- Tab spam → escapes grid
- No verification → compounding errors
Special Characters
Values starting with +, -, =, @ → formula interpretation → #ERROR!
Fix: Prefix with apostrophe: '+972... displays as +972...
Sheet Tab Bar
Bottom tab clicks unreliable. Use JavaScript contextmenu event dispatch instead.
Execution Rules
- AUTO: Navigate, read, verification screenshots
- ASK FIRST: Write operations (cell entry, insert, paste)
- Abort: 2+ consecutive failures → STOP and report
