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Trigger: Checkbox tickedAction: Send email

Send an email when a checkbox is ticked in Google Sheets

Turn a checkbox into a notification. The instant someone ticks the box, Sheet Automation sends an email with the details from that row.

Add to Google Sheets — free See the template

Installs in 30 seconds · No credit card · Works inside Google Sheets

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What it does

This automation watches a checkbox column. When a cell in that column changes to TRUE (ticked), it sends an email containing values from the same row. Perfect for approvals, “mark as done,” sign-offs, and handoffs — the right person gets notified the moment a box is checked, no need to watch the sheet.

How to set it up

  1. Install Sheet Automation from the Google Workspace Marketplace and open it from your sheet.
  2. Add a checkbox column (Insert → Checkbox) if you don’t have one — note its column letter, e.g. A.
  3. Pick the “Send email when a checkbox is ticked” template, set the checkbox column and the recipient, and write the subject/body using {column_A} style placeholders.
  4. Save, then tick a checkbox to test — the email arrives instantly.

The ready-made template

Send email when a checkbox is ticked — trigger: a checkbox column is updated → condition: the box is TRUE → action: send an email with the row values. Edit it live below:

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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 “Send email when a checkbox is ticked”.
  4. Adjust the sheet name, checkbox column, and recipient to match your data, then click Save.
  5. Tick a checkbox to confirm the email sends.

FAQ

Is it free?
Yes — this automation works on the free plan. Paid plans add more monthly runs and advanced actions.
How does it know the box was ticked?
A checkbox stores TRUE when checked. The rule triggers when the checkbox column changes and only sends the email when the value is TRUE.
Can I send to a different person per row?
Yes. Put the recipient’s address in a column and use a placeholder like {column_D} in the “To” field.
Will unticking the box send an email too?
No. The condition checks for TRUE, so unchecking (FALSE) won’t trigger the email.
Do I need Zapier or Make?
No. Sheet Automation runs inside Google Sheets, so there’s no third-party connector to pay for or maintain.

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