Sync Plan vs. Google Sheets Add-On: Which is Right for You?

At Trades to Sheets, we understand that no two investors work the same way. Some prefer a fully automated history of every trade, while others need a surgical, real-time look at specific account metrics.

To support both styles, we offer two distinct features: Sync Plans and the Google Sheets Add-On.

Sync Plans: Your Automated Trading Journal

The Sync Plan is a "set-and-forget" feature designed for passive data management. It acts as a scheduled bridge between your Interactive Brokers (IBKR) Query reports and your spreadsheet.

• Daily Automation: Once configured, the system performs a daily sync to ensure your records are always up to date without you having to click a single button.
• The "Operations" Engine: This is the most powerful part of a Sync Plan. It allows you to filter, tidy, and reorganize raw data before it reaches your sheet, ensuring your journal stays clean and professional.
• Privacy-Centric: Since we don't store your financial data, the Sync Plan securely passes information directly into your Google Sheets.

Best for: Maintaining a long-term trading journal, tracking tax lots, and building automated performance dashboards.

Google Sheets Add-On: On-Demand Account Insights

The Add-On is an "active" tool that puts the power of IBKR data directly into your cursor. Instead of a scheduled sync, you pull data exactly when and where you need it using custom formulas.

• Custom Functions: You can use specialized spreadsheet functions to pull specific data points (like Net Asset Value or Cash Balance) directly into any cell.
• Maximum Flexibility: There is no rigid structure. You have total control over the layout of your sheet because the data goes exactly where you type the formula.
• Zero Wait Time: It doesn't require a background sync process; the data is retrieved via the Add-On immediately for "snapshot" analysis.

Best for: Real-time margin monitoring, custom "What-If" models, and quick account snapshots.

Feature Comparison

Conclusion: Why not both?

Many users find that these two features complement each other perfectly. You can use a Sync Plan to build a reliable, daily-updated history of your trades in one tab, while using the Add-On in another tab to track your current account balances and live risk metrics.