A "counter" for subitems

Platform discussions
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1

I am looking for a way to make a counter on a subitem level. I know I could have a “button press” up a total by 1 in an item, but what can I do for a subitem? I need a way up a count by one every time a button is pressed, or something similar.

2

It should be the same, just when you’re looking for the automation be sure to choose the subitem button instead as the trigger. I’ve done similar, unless I’m misunderstanding your question?

Desiree - www.thecleverclovers.com

3

I have not found a way to add a button to a subitem. Have I missed something?

4

No, you’re right. I just had never tried a button on a subitem. But since you said ‘something similar’, what about using a status column?

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5

Hello @Girl_Friday
Subitems don’t support the Button column, so you can’t increment a counter directly on a subitem with a button press.

Best workaround is to add a Numbers column on the subitem and use a Status or Checkbox change as the trigger, then build an automation like “When status changes to X, increase number by 1

If you’d like hands-on help or want us to walk through this live, you can book a 1:1 paid 60-minute strategy session with our team here:
:backhand_index_pointing_right: Calendly

6

Hi @Girl_Friday

Yes — you can definitely build this as a proper counter using Make, even though button columns aren’t supported on subitems.

Here’s the clean way to do it:

Instead of a button, add a simple column on the subitem (for example, a Checkbox or Status column called “Increase Counter”).

Then set up a Make scenario like this:

  1. Trigger: Make watches for changes on subitems.
    When the column is checked or changed, the scenario runs.

  2. Read the current value: Make retrieves the current number from your Counter (Number column).

  3. Add +1: Make increases that value by 1.

  4. Update the subitem: Make writes the new number back into the Counter column.

  5. (Optional) Reset the column so it can be used again.

So every time someone checks the box (or changes the status), the counter increases automatically: 1 → 2 → 3 → 4, and so on.

This gives you a reliable counter system at the subitem level without needing a button column.

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1 Like
7

I have done this exact thing. It works, but I really wanted it to look a little smoother, but it does work for each check box ticked and unticked. I will continue this one until they give us buttons in subitems, I guess.