TASK_CONCAT

Function Overview

The TASK_CONCAT function combines content from multiple cell ranges, extracting text from cells and linked files, and optionally saves the concatenated result to a Google Doc or text file. It's especially useful for merging content from scattered spreadsheet data and Google Drive files.

Uses

Compile data from multiple spreadsheet ranges into a comprehensive report
Combine the content of several Google Docs into a single document
Create consolidated documentation by merging text snippets and linked files
Generate meeting minutes from individually recorded sections
Assemble training materials from distributed resources
Build a project summary from various status updates spread across a sheet
Consolidate research notes from multiple sources
Create a single reference document from separate data sections
Merge multiple text files referenced by hyperlinks into one output file
Generate handouts or printable materials from spreadsheet data

Syntax and Parameters

=TASK_CONCAT(header, [output_doc_name], [output_textfile_name], ranges)

Parameter	Data Type	Required	Description
header	string	Yes	Column header for the task template
output_doc_name	string	No	Name for the output Google Doc; if omitted, no Google Doc will be created
output_textfile_name	string	No	Name for the output text file; if omitted, no text file will be created
ranges	string	Yes	Semicolon-separated list of cell ranges in A1 notation (e.g., "A1:B5;C1:C10")

Advanced Options

Hyperlink Processing

When TASK_CONCAT encounters a cell containing a hyperlink to a Google Doc or text file, it automatically fetches and uses the content of that file rather than the visible cell text. This allows you to reference external documents without manually copying their content.

Output Options

You can choose to:

Create only a Google Doc by providing output_doc_name but not output_textfile_name
Create only a text file by providing output_textfile_name but not output_doc_name
Create both output formats by providing both parameters
Create neither by omitting both parameters (the concatenated content will just be returned)

File Organization

Output files are stored in your Google Drive under the default Sheet Workflows folder. After creation, a hyperlink to each file appears in the cell to the right of the TASK_CONCAT formula.

Multi-Sheet References

You can reference ranges from different sheets by including the sheet name in the range notation:

=TASK_CONCAT("Header", "CombinedReport", "", "Sheet1!A1:A5;Sheet2!B1:B5")

Examples

Example 1: Combine text from cells

=TASK_CONCAT("Header", "ProjectSummary", "", "A1:A10")

This will concatenate text from cells A1 through A10 and create a Google Doc named "ProjectSummary" with the combined content.

Example 2: Merge multiple Google Docs

=TASK_CONCAT("Header", "ComprehensiveReport", "", "D5:D8")

If cells D5:D8 contain hyperlinks to Google Docs, this will extract and concatenate their content, then save it as a new Google Doc named "ComprehensiveReport".

Example 3: Create both Google Doc and text file outputs

=TASK_CONCAT("Header", "MeetingNotes", "meeting_notes.txt", "Notes!B2:B20;Actions!C5:C15")

This combines content from two different sheets and creates both a Google Doc and a text file with the concatenated content.

Example 4: Concatenate without creating files

=TASK_CONCAT("Header", "", "", "A1:B5;C1:C10")

This concatenates content from the specified ranges but doesn't create any output files. The operation will complete, but the result message will indicate that no output file was created.

Example 5: Combine ranges from multiple sheets

=TASK_CONCAT("Header", "QuarterlyReport", "", "Q1Data!A1:A10;Q2Data!A1:A10;Q3Data!A1:A10")

This merges content from ranges in three different sheets into a single Google Doc.

Best Practices

Provide meaningful file names for output files to make them easier to find and identify in Drive
Use semicolons to separate multiple ranges, not commas (e.g., "A1:B5;C1:C10")
When referencing cells in other sheets, include the sheet name with an exclamation mark (e.g., "Sheet1!A1:A5")
Remember to click "Run" in the Sheet Workflows sidebar after entering the formula
For large documents, consider creating a text file output as it may be more efficient
If using hyperlinks to files, ensure the links are properly formatted Google Drive URLs
Check that you have sufficient permissions for all linked files before running
Ranges can be non-contiguous to selectively include only relevant cells
Use relative cell references (A1:B5) rather than absolute ($A$1:$B$5) in range parameters
Include a descriptive header for better organization in the spreadsheet

Troubleshooting

Error: No ranges provided for concatenation

Cause: The ranges parameter is empty or only contains whitespace.
Solution: Provide at least one valid cell range in A1 notation (e.g., "A1:B5").

Error: Invalid function type

Cause: The function parameter in the JSON doesn't match "TASKCONCAT".
Solution: Ensure you're using the correct TASK* function and that the JSON hasn't been manually altered.

Error: Error creating Google Doc

Cause: There was an issue creating the Google Doc, possibly due to permissions or invalid characters.
Solution: Check that you have permission to create files in Drive and that the output_doc_name doesn't contain invalid characters.

Error: Error creating text file

Cause: There was a problem creating the text file in Drive.
Solution: Verify that you have sufficient Drive permissions and that the output_textfile_name is valid.

Formula results don't update after changes

Cause: The formula's output is static once generated.
Solution: After making changes to source cells, you need to run the TASK_CONCAT formula again by clicking "Run" in the Sheet Workflows sidebar.

No content extracted from linked documents

Cause: The hyperlinks might be incorrectly formatted or point to files you don't have access to.
Solution: Ensure hyperlinks are valid Google Drive URLs and that you have access to the files they point to.

FAQ

How does TASK_CONCAT handle formatting?

TASK_CONCAT extracts plain text content from cells. For Google Docs, it preserves some basic formatting by converting the Doc to Markdown format. Complex formatting may not be fully preserved.

Can I specify where output files are stored?

No, output files are automatically saved in the default Sheet Workflows folder in your Google Drive. However, you can move them after creation.

How do I access the output files?

Hyperlinks to the created files appear in the cell to the right of the TASK_CONCAT formula after running it. Click these links to open the files.

Can I use TASK_CONCAT with non-text content?

The function works best with text content. Non-text cell values will be converted to strings. Images and other non-text content from linked documents won't be included in the concatenated output.

Is there a size limit for the output files?

While there's no hard limit imposed by TASK_CONCAT itself, Google Docs has a size limit of approximately 1.02 million characters. If your concatenated content exceeds this, use the text file output option instead.

How are multiple ranges processed?

Ranges are processed in the order they appear in the parameter. Within each range, cells are processed from top to bottom, left to right.

Does TASK_CONCAT preserve cell formatting?

No, TASK_CONCAT only extracts and concatenates cell content as plain text. Cell formatting is not preserved.

Can I use TASK_CONCAT with filtered or hidden cells?

Yes, TASK_CONCAT will process all cells in the specified ranges, regardless of whether they are filtered or hidden in the sheet view.

How are empty cells handled?

Empty cells are included as empty strings in the concatenation.

What separator is used between concatenated content?

Two newline characters are inserted between the content of each cell, creating a blank line between entries in the output.

Does TASK_CONCAT work with protected sheets or ranges?

Yes, as long as you have permission to view the content of the protected ranges, TASK_CONCAT can extract and concatenate their content.

Can I use TASK_CONCAT with formulas in cells?

Yes, TASK_CONCAT will use the calculated result of any formula in the cells within the specified ranges.

Elisha

1 week ago