Team web form
Deploy web app Execute as Me, access Anyone with link in domain, so submissions write to the sheet without sharing edit access.
What is an Apps Script deployment in Google Sheets?
A deployment publishes a snapshot of your Apps Script project for others to use. Web app deployments expose a URL running doGet and doPost. Each deployment has a version, execution identity, and access setting. Editing code in the editor does not change a live deployment until you deploy a new version or update the deployment.
When to use it
Deploy when non-editors need your script: public form web app, API endpoint for internal tools, library version for other projects, or add-on release through Google publish flow.
When to skip it
Skip formal deployment for private bound scripts that only use onEdit, onOpen, and custom menus inside one shared workbook editors already open.
How it works
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1
Finish and test functions in the Apps Script editor with manual runs and Executions.
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{:"Click Deploy > New deployment and choose type"=>"Web app, Add-on, API executable, or Library."}
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Pick a version (often New version) and set options like Execute as me vs user and Who has access.
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Copy the web app URL or deployment ID for integrators.
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After code fixes, Deploy > Manage deployments > Edit > New version so production picks up changes.
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Keep a test deployment with restricted access while production stays on a stable version number.
Examples in Google Sheets
Versioned rollback
Production deployment stays at version 12 while you test version 13 on a separate test deployment URL.
Library publish
Deployment type Library at version 5 is what consumer spreadsheets attach in their Libraries panel.
Build this without starting from a blank cell
Use a Better Sheets tool for Apps Script deployment, then watch a walkthrough when you want the full pattern.
Better Sheets resources
Common mistakes
- Editing Code.gs and expecting the old URL to update without creating a new deployment version.
- Execute as Me with Anyone access on a script that returns private customer rows.
- Deleting the only deployment and breaking bookmarks integrators still use.
- Confusing Test deployments with production URLs in documentation.
- Not recording which version is live when multiple teammates deploy.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a version and a deployment?
- A version is a numbered snapshot of code. A deployment points a URL or library consumer at a specific version with access settings.
- How do I update a live web app?
- Deploy > Manage deployments, edit the deployment, select New version, and save. The URL usually stays the same.
- What does Execute as mean?
- Execute as Me runs under the deployer's account and quotas. Execute as user accessing the app runs as each visitor with their permissions.
- Can I have multiple web app deployments?
- Yes. Create separate deployments for staging and production with different versions or access rules.
- Do deployments copy when I duplicate the sheet?
- The script copies, but deployment URLs and versions are tied to the script project. Verify after copy.
- What is Test deployment?
- A quick deploy for developers with a distinct URL, useful for trying changes before updating the main deployment.
- Can I undeploy?
- You can archive or update deployments in Manage deployments. Old URLs may stop working if removed.
- Do bound sheet scripts need deployment for menus?
- No. Custom menus and simple triggers work without web app deployment. Web apps and published libraries do need deployment.
Related Tutorials
Watch how Apps Script deployment works
Set Up OnlySheets with Gumroad
Embed a Number in a Website from a Google Sheet
Create an Internal Google Sheets Add-on
Embed Email Form and Name Form into Website to Google Sheets
Convert Google Sheets into a REST API
MAKE Your Google Sheets Add-on WORK
Related blog posts
Guides that explain Apps Script deployment in more depth.
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Read post →Related glossary terms
Apps Script web apps
A web app turns your script into a URL that runs doGet or doPost when someone visits or posts data. The page can read and write your spreadsheet behind the scenes, which is useful for simple forms, internal tools, and lightweight APIs without standing up a separate server.
Read guide →Google Sheets API
The Google Sheets API lets other programs read and update spreadsheets over HTTP using JSON. It is how dashboards, backends, and mobile apps sync data without opening the Google Sheets UI. Apps Script inside a file is simpler for sheet owners; the API fits systems built in Python, Node, or other stacks.
Read guide →Script Editor
The Script Editor is the Apps Script workspace inside your spreadsheet where you write JavaScript that talks to Sheets, Gmail, and other Google services. You open it from Extensions > Apps Script. Every function you save can be run manually, bound to a trigger, or linked from a custom menu.
Read guide →Google Sheets automation
Automation means work happens without repeating the same clicks every day: imports update, emails send, rows move, and dashboards refresh. In Sheets, automation usually stacks built-in features, Apps Script, and sometimes the Sheets API or add-ons. Start with the lightest tool that still solves the job.
Read guide →Done reading about Apps Script deployment?
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