Ever wanted to share just one tab in your Google Sheets without giving access to everything else? Sharing only one tab in Google Sheets can helpful when you only need to share specific data—like sending your client one tab while keeping the rest of the info private for your team.

Here are some strategies you can use to share that particular tab without having to copy and paste your data into a new file or new workbook:

1. IMPORTRANGE function
2. Hiding tabs in Google Sheets
3. Exporting the tab as a PDF
4. Publishing the tab on the web
5. Share Google Sheets data with Softr

Share only one tab with the IMPORTRANGE function

One method to share only one tab of your Google Sheets spreadsheet is the IMPORTRANGE function, which allows you to import data from one spreadsheet to another.

To use the IMPORTRANGE function, you need the URL of the source spreadsheet and the specific tab from which you want to import data.

Step 1: Select the tab to share

Choose the tab you want to share on your Google Sheets with others.

Step 2: Create a new workbook

Create a new file in Google Sheets by clicking “File.”

Click “New” in the drop down menu, then “Spreadsheet” to create a new workbook.

Step 3: Input the formula in the new workbook

In cell A1 of the new workbook, enter this formula:

=IMPORTRANGE("URL", "SheetName!Range")

Copy the URL address for the individual tab you want to share.

Replace “URL” with the URL address you copied and “SheetName!Range” with the range of cells you want to share.

If you see the #REF! error message, click in the cell to open the popup. Click Allow access to connect the original worksheet to the new workbook.

Step 4: Select a share option and access permissions

Rename your new workbook by clicking on “Untitled spreadsheet” at the top.

Click the “Share” button on the top right to share it.

When you share a Google Sheet, you can set specific access permissions for the people you're sharing it with.

1. Add people or groups: Enter the email addresses or groups you want to share the document with.
2. Set share permissions: Next to the person’s email, click the drop-down menu and choose the access rights:
3. Viewer.
4. Commenter.
5. Editor.

Click the blue “Send” button.

Google Sheets also offers link-sharing options, where users with the link can access the sheet based on the access permissions you set.

Restricted (Default): Only people you explicitly share the document with can access it.

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Anyone with the link: Any link recipient can access the sheet. You can choose if they can view, comment, or edit.

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Once you select your general access share permission, click the Copy link button to copy the shareable link.

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Note: This method keeps the new sheet connected to the original worksheet. If the original worksheet is updated, the shared data will automatically update.

Related resource: How to share Google Sheets — 6 methods you need to know

Hide tabs in Google Sheets

You can hide individual tabs you don’t want to share and only share a single tab.

Note: All spreadsheet Editors can unhide and view these sheets.

Spreadsheet viewers can’t see hidden sheets. If someone creates a new file by copying the original worksheet, the sheets will stay hidden, but they’ll be able to unhide them.

Step 1: Open your spreadsheet

Open your Google Sheet containing the specific tab you want to share.

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Step 2: Hide the other sheets

Right click on the tabs you do not want to share and click “Hide sheet.”

Step 3: Share and set access permission

After hiding the tabs, click the “Share” button on the top right.

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Use the share option to set specific access permissions for link recipients to view the data.

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You can also enable the general access by using the copy link button to send a sharable link, allowing others to view only based on the permissions you set.

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When Viewers access the shared document, they will only see the visible tab and the hidden tabs will remain inaccessible.

Related resource: How to password protect a Google Sheets spreadsheet

Export the Google Sheets tab as a PDF

If you want to share a static version of the tab (i.e., no need for editing), you can export the specific tab as a PDF.

Note: The shared data will not be editable. The PDF will be outdated once any edits are made to your original worksheet.

Step 1: Select the tab you want to share

Go to the tab you want to share. Click the File menu, then click Download and choose PDF.

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Step 2: Choose your export option

Under the Export heading, you can choose which tab you want to share. Once you’ve done so, click on the “EXPORT” button.

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Step 3: Share your PDF

Now you have a PDF of your Google Sheets, which you can share.

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Publishing the Google Sheets tab on the web

Publishing to the web is another method for sharing only one tab of your Google Sheets file.

Note: This share option makes your data publicly accessible, including any private or sensitive information. Users will not be able to edit the data if you publish as a web page or PDF.

Step 1: Publish a single tab to the web

Click the File menu, click “Share,” and select “Publish to web.”

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Step 2: Select the single tab you want to share

Next, use the drop down menu to select the individual tab you want to publish.

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Step 3: Choose the file format

Choose the file format by clicking on the file menu on the right side:

1. Web page.
2. CSV.
3. TSV.
4. PDF.

If you share as a CSV or a TSV, the data download as a file and it will be editable with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

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Step 4: Click “Publish”

Click “Publish” to publish your Google Sheets tab. After you do so, a prompt will appear to confirm you want to publish it. Click “OK.”

Depending on your method, you will receive the file or a shareable link.

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Softr: A more secure way to share Google Sheets data

The truth is, Google Sheets doesn’t offer a great, reliable way to share only one sheet. Having precise control over access is essential when you need to share specific data with other users. If you're looking for a more secure and flexible way to manage and present your data, try Softr.

By integrating your data with a no-code platform like Softr, you can use granular permissions and custom user groups to control what data your users can view and edit. It's a more secure and scalable alternative to basic Google Sheet sharing.

With Softr's no-code platform, you can build beautiful, custom client portals and internal tools powered by your Google Sheets (or other data sources like Airtable, SmartSuite, HubSpot, and more).

By integrating your data with a no-code platform like Softr, you can use granular permissions and custom user groups to control what data your users can view and edit. It's a more secure and scalable alternative to basic Google Sheet sharing.

With Softr's no-code platform, you can build beautiful, custom client portals and internal tools powered by your Google Sheets (or other data sources like Airtable, SmartSuite, HubSpot, and more).