Google Apps Script Update: getImage() Replaces getUrl() for Spreadsheet Images

Google Apps Script has updated how you access URLs for images within Google Sheets. The getUrl() method for CellImage, CellImageBuilder, and OverGridImage objects within the Spreadsheet service is now deprecated. This means that while it might still function for now, it’s recommended to switch to the new getImage() method as soon as possible to avoid future compatibility issues.

Instead of retrieving a URL string directly, getImage() returns a Blob object representing the image. This offers more flexibility and aligns with modern web development practices. You can then use this Blob object in various ways, depending on your needs.

Why the Change?

While the specific reasons behind this change haven’t been explicitly detailed, moving towards using Blob objects provides several potential advantages:

• Improved Performance: Directly accessing the image Blob can be more efficient than retrieving a URL and then fetching the image data separately.
• Enhanced Security: Working with Blob objects can provide better control over how image data is handled and accessed.
• Greater Flexibility: Blob objects offer more options for manipulating and using the image data within your scripts.

How to Migrate from getUrl() to getImage()

The transition is relatively straightforward. Here’s a simple example demonstrating the difference:

Old Code (Deprecated):

// Assuming 'image' is a CellImage, CellImageBuilder, or OverGridImage object
let imageUrl = image.getUrl();
Logger.log(imageUrl);

New Code (Recommended):

// Assuming 'image' is a CellImage, CellImageBuilder, or OverGridImage object
let imageBlob = image.getImage();
Logger.log(imageBlob); // This will log the Blob object

// Example of using the Blob to create an img element (for HTML output):
let imgUrl = URL.createObjectURL(imageBlob);
Logger.log(imgUrl);

Key takeaway: Instead of getUrl(), use getImage() to retrieve the image as a Blob. If you need a URL, you can create one from the Blob using URL.createObjectURL().

Keeping Your Scripts Up-to-Date

Staying informed about these updates is crucial for maintaining the functionality and efficiency of your Google Apps Scripts. Subscribe to Google Workspace Developers resources and regularly check the documentation for the latest changes and best practices. This proactive approach will help ensure your scripts continue to run smoothly and leverage the latest features.