This guide shows the fastest way to set up the Content Tracker, add your first items, and generate a snapshot.
1. Make a Copy #
Choose File → Make a copy.
Always copy the entire file. This preserves:
- Scripts
- Named ranges
- Dropdown lists
- System columns
- Dashboard connections
2. Set Your Time Zone #
Go to File → Settings → Time zone and select your local time zone.
This keeps version dates, archive times, and snapshots accurate.
3. Add Your Snapshot Folder #
In Google Drive:
- Create a folder
- Copy the folder ID from the URL
- Paste it into SnapshotFolderId on the Config tab
Snapshots will be stored there automatically.
4. Run Setup / Repair Sheet #
Go to Content Tools → Admin → Setup / Repair Sheet.
This action:
- Rebuilds dropdown validation (including Product and ChangeType)
- Restores system protections
- Ensures system columns behave correctly
- Backfills dates and initial notes
- Refreshes dashboard ranges
You can run it anytime. Your content won’t be overwritten.
5. Add Your First Item #
In Content_Log, enter at least:
- Title
- Platform
- Type
- Status
- (Optional) Product
When these fields initialize the row, the system assigns:
- ItemID
- Version = 1
- Active = TRUE
- VersionDate
- LastUpdated
- SnapshotPeriod
- ChangeNote (“Initial version”)
- ChangeType (“0 – New”)
6. Create a New Version #
When you need to update an item:
- Select the item’s active row
- Choose Content Tools → Create New Version
- Add an optional change note
- Select a ChangeType (Cosmetic, Substantial, Technical), or skip it
The system:
- Archives the previous version
- Creates the new active version
- Updates system dates
- Applies your chosen ChangeType
- Logs the action in the revision log
7. Generate Your First Snapshot #
Set your reporting range:
Content Tools → Set Snapshot Period
Then generate the report:
Content Tools → Generate Snapshot
Your snapshot will appear in your Drive folder and include:
- Summary metrics
- Items active in the period
- Revision log entries
