TASK_CLEAR

Function Overview

TASK_CLEAR is a custom function that generates instructions for clearing both contents and formatting from a specified range in your Google Sheet. After generating the instructions, select the cell containing the formula and click the "Run" button in the Sheet Workflows sidebar to execute the clear operation.

Uses

1. Clear data and formatting from a specific range before importing new information
2. Reset experiment data ranges while preserving column headers
3. Remove conditional formatting and data in ranges that need periodic cleanup
4. Clear project milestone trackers at the end of a reporting period
5. Remove temporary calculations or intermediate results after generating a final report
6. Clean up test data after validating formulas or API connections
7. Reset filtered ranges to their original state
8. Remove old formatting when updating sheet layouts

Syntax and Parameters

=TASK_CLEAR(header, range, [sheet])

Advanced Options

Running the Clear Operation

After creating the TASK_CLEAR formula in a cell, you must select that cell and click the "Run" button in the Sheet Workflows sidebar to execute the clear operation. The formula itself only generates instructions and doesn't modify the sheet until run.

Clearing Specific Aspects

The TASK_CLEAR function clears both contents and formatting. This means all cell values, formulas, notes, and visual formatting (including colors, fonts, borders) will be removed from the specified range.

Examples

Example 1: Clear a range in the current sheet

=TASK_CLEAR("Clear Monthly Data", "A2:F50")

Example 2: Clear a range in a specific sheet

=TASK_CLEAR("Reset Calculations", "B5:E20", "Calculations")

Example 3: Clear a single cell

=TASK_CLEAR("Clear Result", "H10")

Best Practices

• Always double-check your range specification before running the clear operation, as the action cannot be undone (except with Undo)
• Consider using named ranges in your TASK_CLEAR formulas for better maintainability
• Save a backup of important data before clearing large ranges
• Use TASK_CLEAR in cells that are clearly labeled or in a dedicated "Actions" section of your sheet
• Include descriptive headers that explain what is being cleared to help other users understand the purpose
• When clearing ranges that contain formulas, ensure dependent calculations won't be affected
• Test your clear operations on a small scale before applying to critical data
• Use sheet references when working with multi-sheet workbooks to avoid accidentally clearing data in the wrong sheet

Troubleshooting

Error: "Sheet not found"

Cause: The specified sheet name doesn't exist in the current spreadsheet.
Solution: Check for typos in the sheet name or verify that the sheet exists in your spreadsheet.

Error: "Invalid range"

Cause: The range notation isn't valid A1 notation.
Solution: Ensure you're using proper A1 notation (e.g., "A1:B10", "C5", etc.).

Nothing happens when the formula is entered

Cause: The TASK_CLEAR function only generates instructions; it doesn't execute until run.
Solution: Select the cell containing the TASK_CLEAR formula and click the "Run" button in the Sheet Workflows sidebar.

Error: "Missing range"

Cause: The range parameter is empty or wasn't provided.
Solution: Specify a valid range in the second parameter of the function.

Error when clearing a protected range

Cause: You don't have permission to modify a protected range.
Solution: Ensure you have edit permissions for the range, or modify the protection settings if you're the owner.

FAQ

Does TASK_CLEAR remove the cells themselves or just their contents?

TASK_CLEAR only removes the contents and formatting of cells - it doesn't delete the cells themselves or affect the sheet structure.

Can I undo a TASK_CLEAR operation?

Yes, you can use Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo a TASK_CLEAR operation immediately after running it, as long as you haven't performed other actions since then.

Can I selectively clear only the formatting but keep the content?

No, TASK_CLEAR removes both contents and formatting. For more selective clearing, consider using Google Sheets' built-in Edit > Clear menu options.

How is TASK_CLEAR different from using the "Clear" options in Sheets?

TASK_CLEAR can be part of an automated workflow, saved in cells for repeated use, and provides a record of what was cleared. It also works within the Sheet Workflows ecosystem of functions.

Can I use TASK_CLEAR with dynamic ranges?

Yes, you can use functions that return range strings, such as CONCATENATE("A1:A", ROW()) to create dynamic ranges for TASK_CLEAR.

Will TASK_CLEAR remove data validation rules from cells?

Yes, TASK_CLEAR removes all cell properties including data validation rules, conditional formatting, and any other cell-level customizations.

Can I use TASK_CLEAR to clear multiple non-contiguous ranges at once?

No, each TASK_CLEAR operation can only clear a single contiguous range. For multiple ranges, you'd need multiple TASK_CLEAR functions.

Does TASK_CLEAR affect hidden rows or columns?

Yes, TASK_CLEAR affects all cells in the specified range, regardless of whether they're in hidden rows or columns.

What happens if I try to clear a range that contains merged cells?

TASK_CLEAR will clear the contents and formatting of merged cells, but it won't unmerge them.