Google Sheets Integration
Automatically sync extracted document data to Google Sheets
Overview
The Google Sheets integration keeps one row per shipment in your spreadsheet. Each column holds a field from the shipment record, so you can track jobs in a familiar spreadsheet without anyone rekeying them. When a shipment is sent again, its existing row is updated in place, so the sheet stays one row per job as the job develops.
Automatic Sync
New rows added instantly as documents process
Dynamic Columns
Columns auto-created for each extracted field
Retry Support
Failed syncs can be retried from the dashboard
Setup Guide
Connect your Google account in a few steps
Open your integrations
Go to Settings → Integrations and add a Google Sheets connection. The old per-inbox Google Sheets screen now redirects here, so this is the one place a sheet is set up.
Connect Your Google Account
Click "Connect to Google Sheets" and sign in with your Google account. You'll be asked to grant permissions (see below for details).
Choose Your Spreadsheet
You can either:
- Create new: StarShipper creates a spreadsheet for you
- Use existing: Enter a spreadsheet ID to add data to an existing sheet
Set Tab Name (Optional)
Choose which tab/sheet within the spreadsheet to use. Default is "Sheet1".
Save and You're Done!
Click Save. Future documents will automatically sync to your spreadsheet.
Finding Your Spreadsheet ID
The spreadsheet ID is in the URL when you open a Google Sheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BxiMVs0XRA5nFMdKvBdBZjgmUUqptlbs74OgvE2upms/editThe bold part is your spreadsheet ID.
Permissions Explained
What access we request and why
When you connect Google Sheets, we request minimal permissions needed to function:
See and edit spreadsheets
Required to create new spreadsheets and add rows of extracted data. We only access spreadsheets you explicitly configure.
View your email address
Used to identify your Google account and show which account is connected.
Your Data is Safe
- • We read column A only, to find the row for a shipment we have already written
- • We add a row for a new shipment and overwrite the row for one we have seen before. Rows for shipments we did not write are left alone
- • You can revoke access anytime from your Google account settings
- • Tokens are encrypted and stored securely
How Sync Works
What happens when a document is processed
1. Document Processed
After AI extraction completes and the document reaches "Ready" or "Sent" status, the sync is triggered automatically.
2. Columns Created (First Time)
On the first sync, column headers are created based on the extracted fields. Subsequent documents add rows under these columns.
3. Row Written
A shipment we have not written before is appended as a new row. One we have seen before is matched on its reference in column A and updated in place. Fields map to their columns, and a field that appears for the first time creates a new column.
4. Status Updated
The document's sync status is recorded. You can see sync history and any errors on the document review page.
Important Notes
- • Don't rename or delete columns - this may break future syncs
- • A connection syncs to the spreadsheet configured on it
- • Nested objects are flattened (e.g., shipper.name becomes a column)
Troubleshooting
Common issues and how to fix them
Sync Failed: Permission Denied
Cause: The connected Google account doesn't have edit access to the spreadsheet.
Solution: Make sure the Google account you connected has "Editor" access to the spreadsheet. Check the spreadsheet's sharing settings.
Sync Failed: Spreadsheet Not Found
Cause: The spreadsheet ID is incorrect or the spreadsheet was deleted.
Solution: Check the spreadsheet ID on the connection under Settings → Integrations, and make sure the spreadsheet still exists in Google Drive.
Sync Failed: Token Expired
Cause: The Google authorization has expired or was revoked.
Solution: Disconnect and reconnect your Google account on the connection under Settings → Integrations. This refreshes the authorization tokens.
Data Not Appearing
Cause: The document may not have reached "Ready" or "Sent" status yet.
Solution: Check the document status. Only successfully processed documents sync to Google Sheets. Documents stuck in "Needs Review" won't sync until approved.
Retry a Failed Sync
On the document review page, you'll see a "Retry Sync" button if the Google Sheets sync failed. Click it to attempt the sync again after fixing the underlying issue.