I’m having trouble getting my custom menu to execute functions in Google Sheets. When I click on my menu item, nothing happens or I get an error. I’m not sure if this is a bug, if I’m doing something wrong, or if something changed with how Google Apps Script works.
Here’s my simple test code:
function runTask(){
console.log("Function executed");
}
function setupCustomMenu() {
var spreadsheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet();
var menuItems = [];
menuItems.push({name: "Run Task", functionName: "runTask"});
spreadsheet.addMenu("Custom Tools", menuItems);
}
The menu shows up fine in my spreadsheet, but when I click on “Run Task”, it doesn’t seem to call my function properly. Am I missing a step or doing something incorrectly? Any help would be great!
You’re stuck using old-school spreadsheet automation. Google Apps Script has too many quirks and limitations - you’ll keep hitting problems like this.
I wasted hours debugging these same menu execution issues. The authorization flows are messy, triggers don’t work half the time, and debugging sucks.
Switching to Latenode changed everything for me. Instead of fighting Apps Script menus, I use webhooks that trigger workflows directly. No permission headaches or random failures.
Latenode connects Google Sheets to whatever service you need, runs complex logic, and triggers with simple HTTP requests or schedules. The visual workflow builder shows exactly what’s happening - way better than coding blind in Apps Script.
For what you’re doing, create a Latenode scenario that watches your spreadsheet for changes or runs on schedule. Much more reliable than custom menus that break randomly.
Check your execution permissions first. This usually happens when the script isn’t authorized or has scope restrictions. Go to Apps Script editor and manually run the runTask function once - this’ll trigger the authorization flow. You’ll need to grant permissions so the script can access your spreadsheet data. After that, the menu functions should work fine. Also, make sure your script’s bound to the right spreadsheet and isn’t running standalone, since menu functions only work in container-bound scripts.
Had this exact problem a few months ago - spent hours pulling my hair out! Your setupCustomMenu function isn’t firing when the spreadsheet opens. Just rename it to onOpen() and you’re good. Google Sheets only recognizes specific trigger names, and onOpen() runs automatically when someone opens the file. Change the function name, keep everything else identical. Save the script, close and reopen your spreadsheet. The menu should work when clicked. Don’t forget to authorize the script permissions the first time you run it.