APIVex Google Sheets Add-on: Import API Data with Ease

Learn how to use the APIVex Google Sheets Add-on to seamlessly import and manage API data directly in your spreadsheets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through installation, configuration, and advanced features.

Prerequisites

• A Google Workspace account
• An APIVex account (Sign up at apivex.com if you haven't already)
• Basic understanding of Google Sheets

Installation

1. Open Google Sheets
2. Click on "Extensions" in the menu bar
3. Select "Add-ons" → "Get add-ons"
4. Search for "APIVex - API Integrator"
5. Click "Install" and grant the necessary permissions

Initial Setup

1. Connecting Your APIVex Account

1. Open a Google Sheet
2. Click Extensions → "APIVex - API Integrator" → "Import API"
3. Enter your API key from the APIVex dashboard
4. Click "Connect to API Integrator"

Your API key will be securely stored for future use.

2. Understanding the Interface

The add-on interface consists of three main tabs:

• Import: Configure and execute API requests
• Manage: Save and load configurations
• Schedule: Set up automated data imports

Importing Data

1. Basic Import

1. Paste your API endpoint URL
2. Choose a destination sheet:
   • Select an existing sheet, or
   • Create a new sheet by checking "Create new sheet"
3. Click "Preview" to see the data before importing

2. Customizing Field Selection

After clicking "Preview", you can:

• Select which fields to import
• Customize column headers
• Reorder columns using drag & drop
• Add filters to the data

Pro tip: Use the "Move to Top" button (↑) to quickly reorganize important fields.

3. Advanced Import Options

Additional options include:

• Append Data: Add new data below existing content
• Include Timestamp: Add import time to each row
• Trim Sheet: Remove excess rows and columns

Saving Configurations

1. Creating a Configuration

1. Set up your import settings
2. Click the "Save" button
3. Enter a configuration name
4. Click "Save Configuration"

Your configuration saves:

• API endpoint
• Selected fields and their order
• Sheet settings
• Filter conditions

2. Managing Configurations

In the "Manage" tab, you can:

• Load saved configurations
• Delete unused configurations
• View configuration details

Automated Imports

1. Setting Up Schedules

1. Navigate to the "Schedule" tab
2. Select a saved configuration
3. Choose schedule type:
   • One-time
   • Recurring

2. Schedule Options

One-time Schedule:

• Select date and time for the import

Recurring Schedule:

• Choose frequency (hourly/daily/weekly/monthly)
• Set interval
• Define start and end dates (optional)

3. Managing Schedules

View and manage your active schedules:

• Monitor upcoming executions
• Delete schedules
• Check last execution status

Advanced Features

1. Dynamic References

Use cell references in your API URLs:

https://api.example.com/data?id={{{Sheet1!A2}}}

This allows you to:

• Dynamically update API parameters
• Batch process multiple requests
• Create flexible data pipelines

2. Pagination Support

For paginated APIs:

1. Set start and end page numbers
2. The add-on automatically:
   • Handles pagination
   • Combines results
   • Maintains data consistency

3. Custom Headers

Add custom headers for:

• Authentication
• API versioning
• Special parameters

Best Practices

1. Data Organization

• Create separate sheets for different data types
• Use meaningful sheet names
• Include timestamps for tracking

2. Performance Optimization

• Limit selected fields to necessary data
• Use appropriate update frequencies
• Implement filters to reduce data volume

3. Error Handling

The add-on automatically:

• Retries failed requests
• Logs errors
• Maintains data integrity

Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions:

1. Connection Issues

If you can't connect:

• Verify your API key
• Check your internet connection
• Ensure API endpoint is accessible

2. Import Errors

For import failures:

• Check API response format
• Verify selected fields exist
• Review filter conditions

Support and Resources

Need help? We're here:

• Documentation: docs.apivex.com/sheets-addon
• Support: support@apivex.com
• Community Forums: community.apivex.com

Updates and Future Features

Stay tuned for upcoming features:

• Custom data transformations
• Advanced filtering options
• Enhanced visualization tools
• Team collaboration features

Remember to check our documentation for detailed information about specific features and updates.