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Convert TableGoogle Workspace add-on

Text to Table Settings

Choose the default output workflow, manage persistent sidebar instructions, and control when Text to Table can use AI.

Open Extensions > Text To Table Converter > Language & Settings. For most users, the output mode and AI permission are the only settings that need attention.

On this pageOutput mode

Output mode

Swipe sideways to see all columns

Output mode
SettingUse it when
Open in Table EditorYou usually want to inspect or format the conversion before applying it.
Standard InsertYour source text is predictable and speed matters more than preview.

The sidebar uses a checkbox

Open the caret beside Convert selection or Text to Table, then turn Open in Table Editor on or off. The checkbox stores the preference instead of acting as a separate conversion command. The Extensions menu follows the saved output mode when Remember Output Mode is enabled.

Conversion instructions

  • Open the sidebar caret menu to enter instructions for the table you want, such as splitting one field into two columns or standardizing dates.
  • The instructions are shared by the Home and Tables & Convert Text-to-Table controls.
  • Instructions are saved for reuse and remain visible in a collapsed note after you close the options panel.
  • Edit the note for another repeated workflow, or clear it before converting unrelated content.

Check before each run

A carried-over instruction changes the next conversion and can require AI processing. Clear it when you want the source text parsed without that extra direction.

AI controls

  • AI Permissions: allow AI, deny it, or ask before each use.
  • Always use AI: send every conversion through AI, even when the text already has clear separators.
  • Enable AI Refinement: run an additional cleanup pass after the initial conversion.

Recommended starting point

Leave Always use AI off. Clear CSV, TSV, and Markdown tables can be converted locally; allow AI only when inconsistent text needs help finding rows and columns.

Refinement options

These options apply only when AI Refinement is enabled.

  • Prefer a horizontal, vertical, or automatically detected orientation.
  • Standardize dates, times, and number formats.
  • Trim whitespace, normalize case, or remove currency symbols.
  • Correct spelling and grammar inside cells.

Google Sheets formatting

In Google Sheets, choose whether a directly inserted table is left plain or receives header styling and borders.