Clear Data
Remove data from your Google Sheets spreadsheets to prepare for fresh reports or clean up old information.
Clear Data removes specified data from your Google Sheets spreadsheets. Essential for cleaning up old reports, preparing sheets for new data, or removing specific sections before importing fresh information.
Inputs
| Field | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spreadsheet URL/ID | Text | Yes | Google Sheets document link or ID |
| Working Sheet | Select | Yes | Which sheet tab to clear data from |
| Clear All Data | Switch | Yes | Remove all data from the sheet or select specific areas |
| Selection Type | Select | Yes* | Choose “Range” or “Cell” for targeted clearing (*When Clear All Data is off) |
| Range | Text | Yes* | Specify which cells/columns to clear (*When Selection Type is set) |
How It Works
This node removes data from your Google Sheets based on your selection. You can either clear everything on a sheet tab or target specific ranges and cells for precise data removal.
Clearing Options
Clear All Data (Recommended for fresh starts):
- Removes all content from the selected sheet tab
- Keeps the sheet structure and formatting intact
- Perfect for preparing sheets for new reports
- Fastest option for complete data refresh
Targeted Clearing:
- Remove data from specific ranges or cells only
- Preserve other data on the same sheet
- Ideal for updating specific sections
- Allows precise control over what gets cleared
Range Format Guide
When using targeted clearing, specify your range using these formats:
| Format | What It Clears | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| A1:C10 | Specific cell range | Clear last week’s data from rows 1-10 |
| A:A | Entire column A | Remove all campaign names |
| A:C | Columns A through C | Clear first 3 columns of data |
| A1 | Single cell | Clear one specific value |
Format Rules:
- Use column letters (A, B, C…) not numbers
- Use colons (:) for ranges
- No spaces in range notation
- Case doesn’t matter (a1:c10 works too)
Configuration Examples
Clean Sheet for New Report
Scenario: Prepare a weekly report sheet for fresh data
Configuration:
- Spreadsheet URL/ID: Your weekly report spreadsheet
- Working Sheet: “Weekly Performance”
- Clear All Data: On
Result: Complete sheet cleared, ready for new data.
Clear Last Month’s Data
Scenario: Remove old performance data while keeping headers
Configuration:
- Clear All Data: Off
- Selection Type: “Range”
- Range: “A2:Z100” (keeps row 1 headers)
Result: Data rows cleared, headers preserved.
Reset Specific Metrics
Scenario: Clear cost and conversion columns only
Configuration:
- Clear All Data: Off
- Selection Type: “Range”
- Range: “D:F” (clears columns D, E, and F)
Result: Only specified columns cleared.
Remove Single Data Point
Scenario: Clear incorrect value in one cell
Configuration:
- Clear All Data: Off
- Selection Type: “Cell”
- Range: “B5”
Result: Only cell B5 is cleared.
Best Practices
Before Clearing Data
- Always backup important data before clearing
- Test on a copy of your spreadsheet first
- Double-check your range format to avoid mistakes
- Verify you’re on the correct sheet tab
Range Selection Strategy
- Start small - clear one cell/range to test
- Keep headers by starting ranges from row 2
- Use full column clearing (A:A) for complete column refresh
- Clear ranges before writing new data for cleanest results
Sheet Management
- Clear before appending new data for consistency
- Use “Clear All” for monthly/quarterly resets
- Target specific ranges for partial updates
- Consider sheet templates instead of repeated clearing
Workflow Integration
- Clear first, then write for cleanest automation
- Schedule clearing before data import workflows
- Use with Write Data node for complete refresh cycles
- Test clearing logic before production workflows
Credit Cost
Free to use - no credits required.
FAQ
What's the difference between 'Clear All Data' and targeted clearing?
What's the difference between 'Clear All Data' and targeted clearing?
‘Clear All Data’ removes everything from the selected sheet tab - fastest for complete refreshes. Targeted clearing lets you specify exact ranges - perfect when you want to keep some data like headers or specific sections intact.
Will clearing data remove my formatting and formulas?
Will clearing data remove my formatting and formulas?
Data clearing removes content but preserves formatting like colors, borders, and cell styling. Formulas in the cleared cells will be removed, but formulas in other cells that reference the cleared area will show errors or zeros.
How do I clear data but keep my headers?
How do I clear data but keep my headers?
Use targeted clearing with a range starting from row 2. For example, use “A2:Z1000” to clear data while keeping headers in row 1. Or use “2:1000” to clear entire rows 2-1000.
What happens if I specify a range that doesn't exist?
What happens if I specify a range that doesn't exist?
Google Sheets will simply ignore non-existent cells - no errors occur. If you specify Z1:Z10 on a sheet that only goes to column E, nothing happens. Always verify your ranges match your actual data.
Can I clear multiple non-connected ranges at once?
Can I clear multiple non-connected ranges at once?
No, each Clear Data node can only clear one range at a time. To clear multiple separate areas (like A1:C5 and F1:H5), use multiple Clear Data nodes in your workflow, each targeting a different range.
Should I clear data before writing new data?
Should I clear data before writing new data?
Yes, especially when using ‘Overwrite’ mode in Write Data. Clearing first ensures no old data remains in unused cells. For append operations, clearing isn’t necessary since new data goes to the end.
What's the best way to reset a sheet monthly?
What's the best way to reset a sheet monthly?
Use ‘Clear All Data’ for complete monthly resets, then follow with your Write Data nodes to populate fresh information. This ensures no leftover data from previous months interferes with your reports.
Can I undo a clear operation?
Can I undo a clear operation?
No, clearing data through workflows cannot be undone automatically. Always backup important data before clearing. Consider testing on a copy of your spreadsheet first, especially with ‘Clear All Data’ option.