Scripting Numbers like one would automate Google Sheets or Excel through scripts

Hi,

Excel has VBA, Google Sheets has Apps Script (basically JavaScript with specific objects for spreasheet's elements), does Numbers have a similar feature/programming language available for automating common tasks?

Excel even has two other options for scripting beyond Visual Basic for Applications- a COM object and a PowerShell collection of scripts to work on spreadsheets from the command line without even having Excel installed. I wonder if anything similar is available for Numbers from Terminal?

Mac Studio, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jul 26, 2024 6:32 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 27, 2024 6:31 AM

Mac OS has AppleScript with which you can script actions for Numbers. They can be run as services/quick actions or using the Shortcuts app and/or given a keyboard combination/shortcut. Scripts are not part of the spreadsheet so if you need a user of your spreadsheet on another machine to have script, they have to install it (and set up a keyboard shortcut for it, if they want one) on their machine. On the positive side, the script will be available for all spreadsheets. You cannot create/script "buttons" or other elements within the spreadsheet for user input/control. The best you can do is a keyboard combination.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 27, 2024 6:31 AM in response to GjorgifromSantaFe

Mac OS has AppleScript with which you can script actions for Numbers. They can be run as services/quick actions or using the Shortcuts app and/or given a keyboard combination/shortcut. Scripts are not part of the spreadsheet so if you need a user of your spreadsheet on another machine to have script, they have to install it (and set up a keyboard shortcut for it, if they want one) on their machine. On the positive side, the script will be available for all spreadsheets. You cannot create/script "buttons" or other elements within the spreadsheet for user input/control. The best you can do is a keyboard combination.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Scripting Numbers like one would automate Google Sheets or Excel through scripts

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.