Upload XLSForm directly from Google Sheets to ODK Server

The Ultimate
XLSForm Bridge

ODK Uploader is a Google Sheets extension that eliminates manual conversions. Publish surveys, update drafts, and manage your ODK Central projects directly from your spreadsheet. Currently available for ARCED Foundation internal use, with a public release planned soon.

Start Guide

Powerful Features

Seamless Sync

Convert your active sheet to an .xlsx file in the background and push it to ODK Central via API in one click.

Secure Auth

We use session tokens. Your password is used once to authenticate and is never stored permanently.

Smart Handling

Receiving "Structure Warnings"? Our engine detects these and automatically forces the update without interruption.

Draft Mode

Update forms as "Drafts" first. Preview them immediately using the direct link generator before publishing.

Team Ready

Share your Google Sheet with your team. Each member logs in with their own credentials to collaborate on the same form.

How It Works

HOW_IT_WORKS.md

1. Install & Open

Install the Google Sheets add-on (ARCED Foundation internal use). Public release planned soon. Open the sidebar via the menu:

Extensions > ODK Uploader > Launch

2. Authenticate

Enter your ODK Central Server URL (e.g., https://odk.my-org.com). Log in with your email/password to store a secure session token.

3. Select Context

The sidebar loads your Projects automatically. Select a Project, then select an existing Form (or choose to create a new one).

4. Design Form

Ensure your sheet has the standard XLSForm tabs:

  • survey
  • choices
  • settings

5. Upload Draft

Click "Upload". The tool converts the sheet to binary Excel and pushes it to ODK Central as a new Draft version.

6. Preview & Publish

Click the Preview Icon to test the form in Enketo. If satisfied, log into ODK Central to publish the draft.

Frequently Asked Questions

01

Is my password saved?

No. We send your password to your ODK server once to get a session token. We only save the token locally in your user properties.
02

Does it work with KoboToolbox?

This tool is optimized for ODK Central API v1. Kobo uses a different API structure, so this tool is specifically for ODK Central.
03

Why Drive access?

Required to temporarily convert your Google Sheet into an Excel file (`.xlsx`) which is the binary format ODK requires for upload.
04

Can I create a new project?

No. Projects must be created in the ODK Central Console first. Once created, hit "Refresh" in the sidebar to see it.
05

What happens if I have syntax errors?

The upload will fail, and the specific error message from the ODK Validator will appear in the sidebar so you can fix the issue.
06

Can I upload media?

No. This tool uploads the form definition (`.xlsx`). Images and CSV files must be uploaded manually to the Media section of ODK Central.
07

Does this affect my live form?

No. The upload creates a Draft. Your live data collection remains uninterrupted until you manually publish the draft in ODK Central.
08

Is it free to use?

Currently available for ARCED Foundation internal use. Public release is planned soon.
09

How do I log out?

There is a "Logout" button in the sidebar settings. Clicking this immediately deletes your saved URL and Token from your browser.