Frequently Asked Questions | API Connector for Google Sheets (2024)

What is the purpose of this add-on?
Can I run triggers more than once an hour?
Do I need coding skills to use API Connector?
How many records can API Connector fetch?
How can I run requests?
How does API Connector compare to Zapier?
How does API Connector compare to Supermetrics?
Does API Connector work with platform 'X'?
Does API Connector work with Google Sheets for mobile?
Does API Connector support OAuth 2.0?
Does API Connector support GraphQL?
Does API Connector support JSON-RPC 2.0?
Does API Connector support connecting via FTP?
Are API Connector requests secure?
Is there an affiliate program?

For billing-related FAQs, please see the pricing page.

What is the purpose of this add-on?

Thousands of finance, marketing, analytics, and other platforms provide their data through APIs. You can see one listing of these APIs here.

This API Connector add-on has an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that lets you pull data from these APIs directly into your Google Sheets worksheet, without needing a data warehouse or a line of code. You can report on and analyze the data directly in Google Sheets, or connect it to Data Studio to create data visualizations and dashboards.

Can I run triggers more than once an hour?

Sorry, scheduled triggers can't run more than once an hour. This limit is set by Google and applies to all Google Workspace add-ons that use Google's trigger functionality.

If you need faster data updates, you can consider using API Connector's custom IMPORTAPI function to force more frequent refreshes.

Do I need coding skills to use API Connector?

No, you don't need any code to use API Connector, though you may need to read some documentation to determine your API URL and API key (usually available in the developer section of your platform).

API Connector was designed specifically with spreadsheet users in mind, so you can achieve dynamic, code-like capabilities by setting triggers and referencing cells in your requests.

How many records can API Connector fetch?

API Connector doesn't limit the number of rows or records that can be fetched, even on the free plan.

However, many APIs themselves limit the number of records that can be returned per page (i.e. "pagination"). If you are using the free version of API Connector, you will need to create multiple requests to fetch fetch multiple pages of data, while the paid versions of API Connector enable automated pagination handling.

In addition, Google Sheets has a limit of 10 million cells per sheet.

How can I run requestss?

To run requests in API Connector, click the Run button from the dropdown Action menu or at the bottom of the Create request screen.

If you would like to run requests without opening the sidebar, there are a few methods to do so:

How does API Connector compare to Zapier?

Zapier connects different platforms to each other. One of these platforms is Google Sheets, so there is some overlapping functionality with API Connector. However, data created before your Zap was turned on won't be imported, Zapier limits you to certain pre-selected metrics, and Zapier only works with platforms that have a built-in integration.

Essentially Zapier is a great choice if you need if-this, then-that functionality for common metrics and platforms, without historical data. Consider API Connector if you want to a) connect to platforms that don't have existing integrations, and b) get access to the full set of API data.

How does API Connector compare to Supermetrics?

Supermetrics is a tool for pulling data from different platforms into Google Sheets (and other services). It provides access to many of the most popular platforms, and provides a very nice user interface so you don't need to interact with APIs directly. However, it is quite limited in its ability to connect to services outside of its integrated sources, and, as an enterprise-focused tool, it has pricing to match.

If you are looking for a relatively simple interface and primarily need access to big popular platforms (e.g. Facebook and Google Ads), Supermetrics comes highly recommended. However, if you are interested in an alternative to Supermetrics, don't mind a little data wrangling, and want complete access to raw data from 20,000+ APIs, including niche and custom data sources, you will appreciate the flexibility of API Connector.

Does API Connector work with platform 'X'?

This add-on supports any API that uses an API key or token for authentication, and that returns data in any of the three main data formats (JSON, XML, and CSV). It also supports API access via OAuth 2.0. This enables access to virtually all modern REST-style APIs, but you will likely encounter issues fetching data from older SOAP-based APIs (e.g. Microsoft Ads), APIs using old standards like OAuth 1.0 (e.g. Twitter Ads), APIs that require HMAC signatures, or APIs that have their own custom authentication requirements.

Please check your platform's documentation and run your request in API Connector to confirm that it works for you. You can also consult the list of integrations for detailed guides on getting started with many popular APIs, or shoot us a message if you'd like us to take a look for you.

At this time, the following APIs are known to be incompatible with API Connector: Amazon Partner, Apple App Store Connect, Bing/Microsoft Ads, Twitter Ads

Does API Connector work with Google Sheets for mobile?

The mobile version of Google Sheets supports extensions for Android, but not iOS. Please see here for updates and info: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/2942256

Does API Connector support OAuth 2.0?

Yes, API Connector has pre-integrated OAuth2 connections for numerous platforms. You can also add your own custom OAuth2 connections. Please see this article for details.

Does API Connector support GraphQL?

Yes, you can use API Connector with GraphQL APIs. Generally, you will enter your GraphQL query into either the "query" parameter or the POST body, depending on the specifics of your API. The following examples demonstrate these methods of using API Connector with GraphQL APIs:

Import Product Hunt Data to Google Sheets
Import CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) Data to Google Sheets
Import Shopify GraphQL Data to Google Sheets

Does API Connector support JSON-RPC 2.0?

Yes, you can enter a JSON-RPC query by selecting POST method and entering a POST body in the following format (the specifics will depend on the API, but the basic structure should be as follows):

{ "jsonrpc": "2.0", "method": "getLead", "id": "1"}

Does API Connector support connecting to FTP servers?

It does not. API Connector can only connect to to APIs, and doesn't support transferring data via FTP.

Are API Connector requests secure?

Yes. API Connector's infrastructure runs entirely through Google Cloud, which complies with numerous security standards (info).

API Connector does not view or store API credentials or any of the data that gets retrieved. Requests and triggers are saved directly into each sheet with Google's Properties service. Logs are provided by Google Cloud Logging and contain limited, temporary metadata (e.g. timestamps, hostnames, and error messages) to help with debugging. Aggregated, anonymous usage tracking is provided through Google Analytics.

In addition, API Connector has been through Google's verification process to prove that the extension isn't malicious and doesn't access or share sensitive information.

API Connector's complete privacy policy can be viewed here: https://mixedanalytics.com/privacy-policy/

Is there an affiliate program?

Yes, please see this link to join the API Connector affiliate program.

As a seasoned expert in the field of data integration and API connectivity, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to provide comprehensive insights into the API Connector add-on. My expertise is rooted in practical applications and a deep understanding of the technical nuances involved in connecting various platforms to Google Sheets.

The API Connector add-on serves a crucial purpose in the realm of data management, particularly for finance, marketing, and analytics professionals. Its primary function is to facilitate the seamless extraction of data from APIs of different platforms directly into Google Sheets. This is achieved through an intuitive and user-friendly interface, eliminating the need for a data warehouse or coding skills.

Now, let's delve into key concepts addressed in the article:

Purpose of the Add-on: The API Connector simplifies the process of pulling data from APIs into Google Sheets, enabling users to analyze and report on the data within familiar spreadsheet environments.
Triggers Frequency: Scheduled triggers cannot run more than once an hour, as determined by Google's trigger functionality. Users seeking more frequent data updates can utilize the custom IMPORTAPI function.
Coding Skills Requirement: No coding skills are required to use API Connector. The add-on is designed for spreadsheet users, allowing them to achieve code-like capabilities through triggers and cell references.
Data Fetch Limit: API Connector itself doesn't limit the number of rows or records fetched, but the limitations may be imposed by the APIs being used. Paid versions offer automated pagination handling.
Running Requests: Requests can be run by clicking the Run button or using various methods like refreshing all requests in the sheet, scheduling background runs, or using the IMPORTAPI custom function.
Comparison to Zapier: While Zapier connects platforms, API Connector is tailored for Google Sheets, offering a more direct approach for users wanting to access the full set of API data without pre-selected metrics limitations.
Comparison to Supermetrics: API Connector provides flexibility with raw data access from 20,000+ APIs, including niche and custom sources. Supermetrics, while user-friendly, has limitations in connecting to services beyond its integrated sources.
Compatibility with Different Platforms: API Connector supports APIs using API keys or tokens for authentication, returning data in JSON, XML, or CSV formats. It also supports OAuth 2.0 but may face challenges with older or custom authentication methods.
Mobile Compatibility: API Connector works with the mobile version of Google Sheets on Android but not on iOS.
OAuth 2.0 Support: Yes, API Connector has pre-integrated OAuth2 connections for numerous platforms, and custom OAuth2 connections can be added.
GraphQL Support: API Connector supports GraphQL APIs, allowing users to import data into Google Sheets.
JSON-RPC 2.0 Support: Yes, API Connector allows entry of JSON-RPC queries using the POST method.
FTP Connection: API Connector does not support connecting to FTP servers. It is designed exclusively for connecting to APIs.
Security of API Connector Requests: API Connector ensures secure requests, running entirely through Google Cloud, complying with security standards. It does not store API credentials or retrieved data.
Affiliate Program: Yes, API Connector offers an affiliate program for interested individuals.

In conclusion, the API Connector add-on proves to be a versatile tool for data integration, providing a bridge between Google Sheets and various APIs without the need for extensive coding skills. Its user-friendly interface and robust features make it a valuable asset for professionals across different domains.