Google Sheets Browser Automation
Keyboard Shortcuts (Sheets ≠ Excel)
- •
Ctrl+Gdoes 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