Get Started with Google Sheets in n8n

A hands-on starter workflow that teaches beginners how to:

Pull rows from a Google Sheet

Append a new record that mimics a form submission

Generate AI-powered text with GPT-4o based on a “Topic” column

Write the AI output back into the correct row using an update operation

Along the way you’ll learn the three essential Google Sheets operations in n8n (read → append → update), see how to pass sheet data into an OpenAI node, and document each step with sticky-note instructions—perfect for anyone taking their first steps in no-code automation.

0️⃣ Prerequisites Google Sheets** Open Google Cloud Console → create / select a project.
Enable Google Sheets API under APIs & Services.
Create an OAuth Desktop credential and connect it in n8n.
Share the spreadsheet with the Google account linked to the credential. OpenAI** Create a secret key at <https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys>.
In n8n → Credentials → New → choose OpenAI API and paste the key. Sample sheet to copy** (make your own copy and use its link)
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15i9WIYpqc5lNd5T4VyM0RRptFPdi9doCbEEDn8QglN4/edit?usp=sharing>

1️⃣ Trigger
Manual Trigger – lets you run on demand while learning.
(Swap for a Schedule or Webhook once you automate.)

2️⃣ Read existing rows
Node:** Get Rows from Google Sheets
Reads every row from Sheet1 of your copied file.

3️⃣ Generate a demo row
Node:** Generate 1 Row of Data (Set node)
Pretends a form was submitted:
Name, Email, Topic, Submitted = "Yes"

4️⃣ Append the new row
Node:** Append Data to Google
Operation append → writes to the first empty line.

5️⃣ Create a description with GPT-4o
OpenAI Chat Model – uses your OpenAI credential.
Write description (AI Agent) – prompt = the Topic.
Structured Output Parser – forces JSON like: { "description": "…" }.

6️⃣ Update that same row
Node:** Update Sheets data
Operation update.
Matches on column Email to update the correct line.
Writes the new Description cell returned by GPT-4o.

7️⃣ Why this matters
Demonstrates the three core Google Sheets operations: read → append → update.
Shows how to enrich sheet data with an AI step and push the result right back.
Sticky Notes provide inline docs so anyone opening the workflow understands the flow instantly.

👤 Need help?
Robert Breen – Automation Consultant
✉️ robert.j.breen@gmail.com
🔗 <https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-breen-29429625/>