What replaces Worksheet_Change in Google Sheets?
Excel fires Worksheet_Change after cells change on a sheet. Google Sheets uses simple onEdit triggers for lightweight reactions or installable onEdit triggers when you need fewer restrictions. Both patterns run Apps Script instead of VBA.
When to use it
Use onEdit or installable onEdit when Excel macros reacted to typing, paste, or validation changes.
When to skip it
Skip edit triggers when a formula, conditional format, or filter view updates automatically without code.
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onEdit trigger
The onEdit trigger runs a script automatically when someone changes a cell in your spreadsheet. It is one of the simplest ways to make Sheets react to user input without clicking a custom menu. You define the function in Apps Script and bind it to the onEdit event for that file.
Read guide →installable trigger
An installable trigger is configured in Apps Script > Triggers and binds a function to an event such as on edit, on form submit, or time-driven clock. It can run with authorization the simple trigger cannot, and you can set failure notifications.
Read guide →Apps Script triggers
Triggers tell Apps Script when to run a function: on edit, on open, on a schedule, or when a form is submitted. Simple triggers use reserved names like onEdit. Installable triggers are created in the Apps Script Triggers page and can do more, including running as a specific user or on a timer.
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 →Done reading about Worksheet_Change?
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