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Workflows

Smartsheet Workflows Popout Window

The Smartsheet workflow editor opens inside the main Smartsheet tab, replacing the sheet view. There is no way to have the sheet and its workflows open at the same time, which makes it difficult to reference sheet data while configuring an automation or to compare two automations side by side.

Without Grid Tools

The daily workaround

Switching between sheet and workflow
Configuring a workflow often requires checking column names or cell values, which means navigating back to the sheet and losing the workflow editor view.
No side-by-side comparison
Comparing two similar workflows on the same sheet requires opening one, memorising the details, closing it, and then opening the other.
Single-screen bottleneck
The embedded editor cannot be moved or resized independently, limiting usability for anyone working with two monitors or a large display.
Context lost when navigating away
Clicking away from the workflow editor to check another sheet or tab can discard unsaved changes in the embedded editor.
Screenshot: Workflow editor replacing the sheet view in the same tab
Workflow editor replacing the sheet view in the same tab
Screenshot: Navigating back to the sheet to check a column name
Navigating back to the sheet to check a column name
Screenshot: Workflow closed to check a second automation
Workflow closed to check a second automation

With Grid Tools

How Grid Tools handles it

Open any workflow in a separate window
Grid Tools adds a popout option that opens the workflow editor in its own browser window, independent of the main Smartsheet tab.
Sheet and workflow visible simultaneously
With the workflow in a separate window, the sheet remains open in the original tab — reference column names and row data while editing the automation.
Multi-monitor ready
Place the workflow editor on a second monitor while keeping the sheet, another workflow, or documentation on the primary screen.
Compare workflows side by side
Open two workflows in separate popout windows and position them next to each other for direct comparison or parallel editing.
Screenshot: Workflow popout button in Grid Tools controls
Workflow popout button in the Grid Tools controls
Screenshot: Workflow editor open in a separate browser window
Workflow editor open in its own browser window
Screenshot: Sheet and workflow visible simultaneously on two monitors
Sheet and workflow visible simultaneously on two monitors

Frequently asked questions

Does Smartsheet allow opening workflows in a separate window?

No. The Smartsheet workflow editor is embedded inside the main tab and replaces the sheet view. There is no native way to open a workflow in a standalone window.

Does the popout window have full workflow editing capabilities?

Yes. The popout window is a full instance of the workflow editor — you can configure triggers, conditions, actions, and all card settings the same as in the embedded view.

Can I open more than one workflow popout at a time?

Yes. You can open multiple workflows in separate popout windows, which makes side-by-side comparison and simultaneous editing of different automations possible.

Does the popout work across both Chrome and Firefox?

Yes. Grid Tools supports Chrome (Manifest V3) and Firefox (Manifest V2), and the workflow popout feature is available in both browsers.

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