Why does Form Ranger say no data in column?

The selected tab or header may have changed, the values may be blank below the header, or the add-on may no longer have access to the selected spreadsheet. Verify each stage on a copied form before updating.

Should I relink the live form immediately?

No. Copy the form, keep the original source Sheet unchanged, relink one test question, run Preflight, and verify the public respondent preview first.

Does FormSuite Choice Sync create missing source data?

No. It reads usable values below the selected header and reports an empty-source problem. It does not invent or write choice values into the source Sheet.

Empty source recovery

Form Ranger “no data in column”: find the failed stage first

Do not reconnect random tabs in a live form. Confirm the selected spreadsheet, exact sheet tab, header, usable rows, and respondent preview in that order.

Independent guide: FormSuite Choice Sync is not affiliated with New Visions Cloudlab's Form Ranger.

Test on a copied form Install Choice Sync

Quick diagnosis

Wrong file or lost access

Select the spreadsheet again with the same Google account that owns or can open it.

Renamed tab or header

A saved mapping can point to a name that no longer exists after a Sheet edit.

Blank values

Keep one header in row 1 and at least one real value beneath it. Whitespace-only cells do not count.

Editor/public mismatch

The final check is the respondent-facing preview, not only the mapping screen or Form editor.

Safe recovery sequence

Make a copy of the affected Google Form.
Leave the original source spreadsheet unchanged while diagnosing.
In the copied form, select the source file and confirm the exact tab and header.
Reduce the test column to two values such as Alpha and Beta.
Link one supported question and run Preflight.
Only if Preflight passes, run Update now and open the public preview.
Move the remaining mappings only after the copied-form result is correct.

What the newer workflow changes

FormSuite Choice Sync separates source access, tab lookup, column lookup, empty-source detection, choice preview, update result, and public-preview confirmation. A failed check reports the recovery stage instead of treating a saved mapping as proof that the form changed.

It also refuses to write when the target question contains section routing, a quiz answer key, or more than 1,000 incoming choices.

Not a fit

This workflow does not provide respondent-time dependent dropdowns, booking, inventory locking, payments, or live filtering. It refreshes owner-controlled choice lists before respondents use the form.

Related fixes

Google Forms dropdown not updatingTrace a saved mapping that still shows old public choices.
Form Ranger duplicate choicesReview exact duplicates and look-alike labels before writing.
Form Ranger alternativeUse the one-question copied-form migration path.