Looking for a plugin to sync Google Sheets and user accounts … any ideas?

Request
1

Hi everyone! This is my first post on this forum, and I hope someone can help me out.

I’ve been running a Google Sheets document for a few years now to help console players of an MMO track their progress. It’s become pretty popular, but here’s the issue: every time new items are added to the game, I update the master sheet. Players then have to manually copy the updates to their own sheets, which is confusing for some.

I want to create a website (mobile-friendly) where this master sheet is synced, and users can create accounts to track their own progress. The key feature I need is for updates to the master sheet to automatically sync with user accounts without overwriting their existing data. For example, if I add new items to the master sheet, those items should show up in user accounts as unchecked, while keeping their previous progress intact.

The Google Sheet I’ve been using is here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11XxNt07znE3cHqWMecO-NxSjNWWnaA8hMA6uDV_53O8

I need a plugin that offers similar features to Google Sheets, like search, sorting, and tallying items. I’d prefer a free plugin but don’t mind paying if it does exactly what I need.

I’ve searched for options but can’t find anything that includes account creation, updates, and individual user data sync. Any recommendations?

2

What you’re describing sounds pretty specific, so it might require a custom plugin. However, there are existing plugins you could try. For example, you can use the Ultimate Member plugin for user profiles, registration, and login, along with wpDataTables to set up the data. With wpDataTables, you can create editable tables where users can only see and edit their own data. Have you looked into these options yet?

3

@Val
I haven’t tried anything yet because I didn’t want to waste time testing plugins that might not work. If I used the plugins you mentioned, would I be able to make changes to the master sheet and have them reflect in all user accounts without altering their existing data? For example:

Before update:

User 1:

  • Item 1: Checked
  • Item 2: Unchecked
  • Item 3: Checked

User 2:

  • Item 1: Unchecked
  • Item 2: Unchecked
  • Item 3: Checked

After adding two new items:

User 1:

  • Item 1: Checked
  • Item 2: Unchecked
  • Item 3: Checked
  • Item 4 (new): Unchecked
  • Item 5 (new): Unchecked

User 2:

  • Item 1: Unchecked
  • Item 2: Unchecked
  • Item 3: Checked
  • Item 4 (new): Unchecked
  • Item 5 (new): Unchecked
4

@Ira
I’m not sure if this exact setup is possible. Editable tables are only available in the premium version of wpDataTables, and I don’t know if the edits can sync at the level you’re describing. You might want to contact their support team to check.

Another option is to use a plugin like Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) to create custom post types in WordPress for your master data. Then, with some custom development, you could set up user-specific fields, front-end editing, and sorting/filtering options.