> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.markifact.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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.

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## 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)           |

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## 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

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## 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)

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## 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.

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## 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

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## Credit Cost

1 credit per successful run.

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## FAQ

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="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.
</Accordion>