> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cardstock-studio.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cardstock-studio.gitbook.io/docs/design/decks/connecting-to-google-sheets.md).
# Connecting to Google Sheets
While you can update card values in the Deck spreadsheet, we believe it's easier to do this in Google Sheets, where you have additional features and functionality available.
## Exporting Spreadsheet Structure
In the top right of the Deck page, click the button and choose to export as *CSV File*.
This will save a .csv file to your disk.
## Setting Up Google Sheets
Visit sheets.google.com and create a new sheet, or open your existing sheet.
Create a new page, or use the default page, and rename it to the same name as your Deck. This is how Cardstock Studio knows which sheet to pull from.
Next, click "File > Import" in the Google Sheet menu.
Choose "Upload", and select the .csv file you downloaded. When prompted, choose the *Import Location* "Replace current sheet", and import the data.
Optionally you may like to lock the header row and column, so as you scroll you can still see them.
## Required Columns vs Variable Columns
The first 3 columns are required:
1. Card Name
2. Copies
3. Description
They must be the first three. All other columns are used for [Variables](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards/variables.md) and can be in any order.
## Connecting the Sheet to Cardstock Studio
Next you need to connect the sheet to Cardstock Studio, so Cardstock Studio can import your updates.
In the Google Sheet menu choose *File > Share > Publish to Web*
In the *Publish to the web* modal, make sure the "Entire document" is shared, and choose to share as "Comma-separated values" from the drop down. Then click "Publish".
You will be prompted to confirm, afterwhich, you'll see a long URL.
Copy the URL, and go back to your Deck in Cardstock Studio.
Click the button, and in the *Published Google Sheet* option, click "Connect a Sheet". Paste the URL into the field, and click "Save Connection".
Any changes you've made will import, and from now on, pressing the button will allow you to pull from the Google Sheet with one click.
{% hint style="warning" %}
Google Sheet can takes up to 5 minutes from when you last make changes for the published sheet to include them. Usually it's fairly quick, but if you do not see your changes being imported, try again in a minute or two.
{% endhint %}
### Updating All Decks
We suggest using the same Google Sheet for all Decks in your Project. Then, if you toggle on the "Update all decks..." option, importing the deck will also update any other decks represented in the Google Sheet. Remember each sheet must be named the same as the Deck in Cardstock Studio.
{% hint style="success" %}
The first two columns of each sheet should **ALWAYS** be *Card Name* and *Copies*.
All other [Variables](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards/variables.md) can be in any order, and the cards can be in any order as well.
{% endhint %}
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