Publishing as an Add-on

Once you've developed a useful Apps Script that can benefit others, publishing it as an add-on is the most powerful way to share it. Add-ons integrate seamlessly with Google Workspace applications like Sheets, Docs, Forms, and Gmail, providing a branded and professional user experience. This allows users to install your script directly from the Google Workspace Marketplace and use it within their familiar environment.

The process of publishing an add-on involves several key steps. You'll need to ensure your script is well-structured, adheres to best practices, and provides a clear user interface. It's important to note that publishing an add-on is a more involved process than simply sharing a script or deploying it as a web app. It requires careful consideration of user experience, security, and adherence to Google's policies.

Here's a breakdown of the essential steps and considerations for publishing your Apps Script as an add-on:

1. Prepare Your Script for Add-on Publishing:
   • Define your scope: Determine which Google Workspace applications your add-on will interact with (e.g., Sheets, Docs, Gmail). This will influence the required OAuth scopes.
   • User Interface: Design a user-friendly interface, typically using HTML Service or CardService for interactive elements. For simple add-ons, a custom menu in the host application might suffice.
   • Authorization: Ensure your script clearly requests only the necessary permissions (OAuth scopes) from users. Overly broad scopes can deter users from installing your add-on.
   • Error Handling: Implement robust error handling and provide informative messages to the user.

2. Configure Your Project for Publishing:
   • Project Properties: Set your project's name, description, and icon. These will be displayed in the Google Workspace Marketplace.
   • Deployment ID: You'll need to create a deployment for your script. Go to 'Deploy' > 'New deployment' and select 'Add-on' as the type. Note the Deployment ID, as you'll use it later.

3. Create an Add-on Manifest: The appsscript.json file, also known as the manifest file, is crucial for configuring your add-on. It defines its behavior, appearance, and integration points. You can edit this directly in the script editor under 'Project settings' > 'appsscript.json'. Key fields include:
   • timeZone
   • dependencies
   • exceptionLogging
   • runtimeVersion
   • oauthScopes (essential for permissions)
   • addOns (defines how your add-on integrates with different Workspace applications)