What replaces ActiveX in Google Sheets?
ActiveX controls are Windows-only Excel form controls. Google Sheets uses checkboxes, chips, drawings, and Apps Script sidebars or dialogs instead. There is no ActiveX runtime in the browser, so migrate buttons and combo boxes to native inputs plus script handlers.
When to use it
Use Sheets checkboxes, data validation dropdowns, or HtmlService UI when replacing Excel ActiveX buttons and lists.
When to skip it
Skip desktop control replicas when share links and simple validation are enough for your audience.
Better Sheets resources
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Watch how ActiveX works
Advanced Coding in Google Sheets for Programmers
Create an Internal Google Sheets Add-on
Convert Google Sheets into a REST API
MAKE Your Google Sheets Add-on WORK
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Related blog posts
Guides that explain ActiveX in more depth.
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Read post →Related terms
Checkbox
A checkbox is a cell control that stores TRUE when checked and FALSE when unchecked. Insert checkboxes from Insert > Checkbox or data validation. They power task lists, approval flags, and conditional formulas without typing yes or no by hand.
Read guide →dropdowns / data validation
Data validation restricts what people can type in a cell. A dropdown is the friendly face of that feature: pick from a list instead of free text. It keeps statuses, categories, and owners consistent so filters, pivot tables, and scripts do not break on typos.
Read guide →Google Apps Script
Apps Script is Google's JavaScript platform for automating Sheets and other Workspace apps. From a spreadsheet you can open Extensions > Apps Script to write code that reads cells, sends email, builds menus, and runs on triggers. It goes beyond formulas when you need custom workflows tied to your file.
Read guide →HtmlService
HtmlService lets Apps Script show custom HTML as a dialog, sidebar, or full web app page inside or beside your spreadsheet. You design the UI with HTML and CSS, then call server functions with google.script.run to read and write sheet data without building a separate website.
Read guide →Done reading about ActiveX?
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