The Problem: Currently, in Google Sheets, there is no native way to propagate Data Validation or Conditional Formatting rules across multiple tabs simultaneously. For users managing recurring datasets (like 12 monthly tabs), any update to a dropdown list or a formatting rule must be manually copied and “Paste Special” applied to every other sheet.
This creates a significant data integrity risk and overhead, especially when working with the new Table Objects. For example, if I update a category list in my “Jan2026_Items” table, those changes do not sync to my February through December tables without manual intervention.
The Solution: I am requesting a feature that allows for Cross-Sheet Formatting and Validation syncing. Ideally, users should be able to:
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Group tabs together so that a single Data Validation rule applies to all sheets in that group.
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Define a “Master” Conditional Formatting rule that targets specific columns across the entire workbook.
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Improve Table Object Scalability so that structured references and validation rules can be managed globally rather than on a per-table basis.
This enhancement would bring Google Sheets closer to true relational data management and significantly improve the user experience for complex financial and project tracking workbooks.
