What replaces ThisWorkbook in Google Sheets?
In Excel VBA, ThisWorkbook refers to the file that hosts the code. In Apps Script bound to a spreadsheet, call SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet() for the same idea. Standalone scripts use openById or openByUrl with the spreadsheet ID from the URL.
When to use it
Use getActiveSpreadsheet when porting ThisWorkbook events or properties to a bound script.
When to skip it
Skip workbook object code when a single formula or IMPORTRANGE already reads the other file.
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bound script
A bound script, also called a container-bound script, lives inside a specific spreadsheet file. You open it from Extensions > Apps Script and it travels with that workbook. getActiveSpreadsheet() works naturally because the script and sheet share one container. Most spreadsheet automations beginners build are bound scripts.
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 →spreadsheet
Spreadsheet is a core spreadsheet object in Google Sheets: the building blocks of every workbook. Sheets, tabs, rows, columns, cells, ranges, and values are the vocabulary every other feature builds on.
Read guide →getRange
getRange returns a Range object pointing at one or more cells on a sheet. You call it on a Sheet to read with getValue or getValues and write with setValue or setValues. Correct range targeting is the foundation of almost every Sheets script.
Read guide →Done reading about ThisWorkbook?
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