Format a row when a task is completed in Google Sheets

What it does

This automation watches a status column. When a cell equals “completed”, it formats that row with a background color — perfect for task lists, pipelines, and trackers where done items should stand out. Unlike conditional formatting, it applies once and stays.

How to set it up

1. Install Sheet Automation from the Google Workspace Marketplace and open it from your sheet.
2. Choose the status column to watch (e.g. A) and the value that means done (e.g. completed).
3. Pick the “Format row when task is completed” template and set the column, value, and color.
4. Save, then set a cell to “completed” to test — the row turns green.

The ready-made template

Format row when task is completed — Trigger: a status column is updated → Condition: value equals “completed” → Action: color the row. Edit it live below:

How to use this template

The builder above is a live preview of this automation. To run it in your own spreadsheet:

1. Click Add to Google Sheets to install Sheet Automation (free).
2. Open it from your sheet: Extensions → Sheet Automation → Open.
3. Open the Templates tab and choose “Format row when task is completed”.
4. Adjust the fields to match your data, then click Save.
5. Trigger it once to confirm the automation runs.

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