How to Change the Primary Column in Smartsheet

Quick summary

Smartsheet does not allow you to directly reassign the primary column, but you can effectively change it by inserting a new column, copying data between columns, and renaming them to reflect the correct structure. This step-by-step process lets you reorganize your sheet layout without losing any existing row data.

Steps

1. In Smartsheet's Grid View, locate the primary column and click its Column Menu button.
2. Select Insert Column Right from the dropdown list of options.
3. Enter a column name and select the appropriate column type, ensuring they match the content of the current primary column, then proceed.
4. Click OK to confirm and create the new column.
5. Select all the content under the original primary column and press Ctrl+C (or Command+C) to copy it.
6. Click the first cell of the newly created column and press Ctrl+V (or Command+V) to paste the copied content.
7. Find the other column you want to set as the new primary and select its cell data.
8. Press Ctrl+C (or Command+C) again to copy that column's content.
9. Click the first cell under the current primary column and press Ctrl+V (or Command+V) to paste the content from the other column.
10. Click the column header of the column whose data you just moved, then open its Column Menu.
11. Choose Delete Column from the menu options to remove the now-redundant column.
12. Navigate to the primary column and open its Column Menu.
13. Click Rename Column from the options list.
14. Type the original name of the deleted column into the input field and click OK.
15. The primary column in your Smartsheet is now updated to reflect the new column structure.