TASK_FORMAT Function Knowledge Base

Function Overview

TASK_FORMAT is a powerful function within the Sheet Workflows Google Sheets Add-on that allows you to apply sophisticated formatting to your spreadsheet using natural language instructions. Instead of manually adjusting formatting settings for each cell or range, you can simply describe what you want in plain English, and the function will use AI to interpret and apply your formatting requests.

This function bridges the gap between your formatting intentions and the technical implementation, making complex spreadsheet styling accessible to users of all technical backgrounds.

Uses

1. Make headers bold, centered, and highlight them with background colors.

2. Format numerical data into currency, percentage, or custom formats.

3. Apply conditional formatting based on cell values or conditions.

4. Create visually distinct sections in your spreadsheet.

5. Freeze rows/columns for better navigation in large datasets.

6. Implement consistent styling across your spreadsheet.

7. Format dates and times in various formats.

8. Create readable tables with alternating row colors.

9. Highlight important data points or outliers.

10. Set up professional-looking dashboards without manual formatting.

Syntax and Parameters

TASK_FORMAT(range, prompt, [model], [freeze_range])

Advanced Options

Specifying Target Ranges

You can be precise about which cells should be formatted:

• Entire columns:

  "A:C"

  (format all cells in columns A to C)

• Entire rows:

  "1:5"

  (format all cells in rows 1 to 5)

• Specific ranges:

  "A1:C5,E7:G10"

  (format multiple disconnected ranges)

Example:

=TASK_FORMAT("A1:D10", "Make the first row bold and freeze it, then color all negative numbers in red")

Using Different Models

Different AI models may have varying capabilities in understanding and implementing formatting instructions. You can specify the model to use:

=TASK_FORMAT("A1:Z20", "Create a professional-looking financial dashboard with appropriate colors", "Gemini/gemini-1.5-pro")

Freezing Panes

The

freeze_range

=TASK_FORMAT("A1:J30", "Format this as a data table with alternating row colors", "Gemini/gemini-1.5-pro", "A1:J1")

This example will freeze the first row, making headers visible as you scroll down the sheet.

Combining with Cell References

You can use cell references for flexible formatting configurations:

=TASK_FORMAT(B2, A2, C2, D2)

Where:

• B2 contains the range to format (e.g.,

  "A1:E10"

  )

• A2 contains the formatting instructions

• C2 contains the model name

• D2 contains the freeze range

Examples

Example 1: Basic Header Formatting

=TASK_FORMAT("A1:F1", "Make the headers bold, centered, with a light blue background and white text")

This will format the first row with bold, centered text on a light blue background with white text color.

Example 2: Conditional Formatting

=TASK_FORMAT("B2:B20", "Color cells green if the value is above 100, yellow if between 50-100, and red if below 50")

This applies color-coding based on cell values in column B.

Example 3: Complete Table Styling

=TASK_FORMAT("A1:E15", "Format as a professional financial table with the first row as headers (bold, centered, dark blue background), currency format for columns C-E, and alternate row colors for readability", "Gemini/gemini-1.5-pro", "A1:E1")

This creates a comprehensive table styling with frozen headers.

Example 4: Dashboard Enhancement

=TASK_FORMAT("A1:J20", "Format this as a sales dashboard. The first row contains headers, columns A-B contain product data, columns C-F contain quarterly sales data that should be formatted as currency, columns G-J contain percentage changes that should use percentage format with red for negative values and green for positive values")

This formats different sections of a dashboard with appropriate styling for each data type.

Best Practices

• Be specific in your prompts: The more detailed your formatting instructions, the better the results will be.

• Start with a clean sheet: Apply TASK_FORMAT to a clean, well-structured data set for optimal results.

• Use appropriate ranges: Only include the cells you want to format in the range parameter.

• Test on a copy first: When applying complex formatting, test on a copy of your data first.

• Combine with freeze_range: Use the freeze_range parameter to keep headers visible when scrolling through large datasets.

• Consider model capabilities: More advanced models like Gemini-1.5-pro may provide better results for complex formatting requests.

• Build formatting gradually: For complex sheets, apply formatting in stages rather than trying to do everything at once.

• Review and refine: After applying formatting, review the results and refine your prompt if needed.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Formatting not applied correctly:

   • Be more specific in your prompt

   • Try using a different AI model

   • Break down complex requests into multiple simpler requests

2. Error messages:

   • Check that your range is valid A1 notation

   • Verify you have the correct model syntax (provider/model_name)

   • Ensure you have set up API keys for the model provider

3. Performance issues with large ranges:

   • Break up large sheets into smaller sections

   • Apply formatting to the most important ranges first

   • Consider using multiple TASK_FORMAT calls for different sections

4. Model limitations:

   • If a model doesn't understand your request, try rephrasing

   • Some complex formatting may require multiple steps

   • Consider upgrading to a more capable model

5. "Error: Invalid range format":

   • Ensure you're using proper A1 notation (e.g.,

     "A1:B10"

     )

   • Check for typos or incorrect range references

   • Verify that sheet names are correct if included in the range

FAQ

Q: Can I format multiple sheets at once?

A: No, TASK_FORMAT operates on the active sheet only. You'll need to apply it separately to each sheet.

Q: How detailed can my formatting instructions be?

A: You can be quite specific, including font styles, colors, alignments, number formats, and conditional formatting. The AI models can understand complex natural language instructions.

Q: Can I save formatting settings to reuse later?

A: While TASK_FORMAT itself doesn't save settings, you can save your formatting prompts in cells and reference them consistently.

Q: Will TASK_FORMAT overwrite my existing formatting?

A: Yes, it will apply the new formatting to the specified range. Use the freeze_range parameter to protect cells you don't want to change.

Q: Can I format based on formulas or calculations?

A: Yes, you can include conditional formatting instructions based on cell values, formulas, or other conditions.

Q: How do I know which model to use?

A: If you're unsure, start with your default model. For complex formatting needs, models like Gemini-1.5-pro tend to perform better.

Q: Does the function affect cell values or formulas?

A: No, TASK_FORMAT only changes the appearance (formatting) of cells, not their content or formulas.

Q: Can I apply formatting to hidden rows or columns?

A: Yes, the formatting will be applied whether the cells are currently visible or hidden.

Q: How do I run the function after creating it?

A: After entering the TASK_FORMAT function in a cell, click on the cell and then click the "Run" button in the Sheet Workflows sidebar to execute it.

Q: Why does my formatting reset when I refresh the sheet?

A: The TASK_FORMAT function doesn't automatically reapply formatting when the sheet refreshes. You'll need to run it again if you want to reapply the same formatting.