Avoid sync errors by making sure your columns match before sharing items

🎥 Prefer to watch instead?

Check out the short video tutorial at the top of this article!

If you’d rather follow the steps in text, just keep scrolling 👇

The Column Mapping feature helps you ensure that items sync correctly when sharing them across boards as it shows you exactly which columns will sync, whether their names and types match, and gives you the option to create missing columns on the target board — all before completing the share.

This feature is available only when manually sharing a single item, not in automations or bulk actions.

🧠 What Is Column Mapping?

Column Mapping appears when you manually add an item to another board using the SIMB Item View.

It allows you to:

• ✔️ Preview which columns will sync
• ✔️ Confirm columns have matching names and types
• 🚫 Identify columns that won’t sync
• ➕ Create missing columns on the destination board with a single click
• 🔄 Prevent sync errors before they happen

This makes syncing between boards more predictable and reduces column mismatch issues.

✨ When Does Column Mapping Show Up?

Column Mapping appears only in this scenario:

👉 When you manually add an individual item to another board (via the Same Item Multiple Boards Item View)

It does not appear when using:

• ❌ Automations
• ❌ Bulk actions

Those flows skip the mapping step.

🪄 How to Use Column Mapping (Step-by-Step)

1️⃣Open the item you want to share

Click on the item and open the Same Item Multiple Boards item view.

2️⃣Select the destination board

Choose the board where you want to add the item.

3️⃣ Review Column Mapping

A window will appear showing:

• 🟢→ Columns that match
• ⚪→ Columns that exist but with different names/types
• ⚠️ Columns missing on the destination board

4️⃣ Create missing columns (optional but recommended)

If the destination board doesn’t have a required column, you’ll see a button: "Create column"

Clicking it will automatically create the column on the target board with the same name and the same column type; this ensures the item will sync correctly.

5️⃣ Add the item

Once everything looks good, click Add Item.

Your item will appear on the destination board with full column sync support.

📝 Important Notes

• Column mapping only appears for manual single-item sharing.
• Automations rely on matching names and types—you won’t get a mapping preview.
• Missing columns on automations will not be created automatically.
• Mismatched columns will simply not sync.

Using Column Mapping is the easiest way to ensure everything is aligned before sharing.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter sync issues:

• Make sure column names match exactly
• Confirm both columns are the same type (Status, Text, People, etc.)
• Use Column Mapping at least once to align your boards before using automations
• Remember you can always edit or rename columns after syncing

💬 Need help?

If a column isn’t syncing even though names and types match, or if the mapping window behaves unexpectedly, feel free to reach out — we’re here to help!

Updated on: 09/12/2025