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Grid Tools First-Run Activation Guide

Installing the extension is only half of the setup. Grid Tools requires a first-run activation step to link your browser session to a Grid Tools account, verify your entitlement tier, and unlock the correct set of tools. Users who skip activation see the toolbar but find Pro features locked or tools that appear inactive.

Without Grid Tools

The daily workaround

Toolbar visible but tools locked
Without completing activation, the toolbar shows but Pro tools display as unavailable even if a subscription was purchased.
No sign-in prompt appears automatically
The activation flow requires clicking the Grid Tools icon in the browser toolbar — it does not launch on its own after install.
Entitlement tier unclear
First-time users often cannot tell whether they are on Free or Pro, or which specific tools each tier includes.
Sign-in confusion with Smartsheet accounts
Grid Tools uses its own account system, separate from your Smartsheet login, which causes confusion during first-run setup.
Screenshot: Grid Tools toolbar with Pro tools shown as locked
Grid Tools toolbar with Pro tools shown as locked
Screenshot: Extension popup before sign-in showing no account linked
Extension popup before sign-in showing no account linked
Screenshot: Entitlement tier showing as unverified in the toolbar
Entitlement tier showing as unverified in the toolbar

With Grid Tools

How Grid Tools handles it

Guided first-run activation flow
The activation guide walks through clicking the extension icon, signing in or creating a Grid Tools account, and confirming your tier.
Free and Pro entitlement verified on sign-in
After signing in, Grid Tools confirms your entitlement level and unlocks the appropriate tools in the toolbar immediately.
Separate account from Smartsheet explained
The guide clarifies that your Grid Tools account is independent of your Smartsheet login and explains why.
Confirmation checklist at the end
The guide ends with a short checklist so you can verify the toolbar, tier badge, and at least one tool are all working before closing.
Screenshot: Grid Tools extension icon in browser toolbar prompting first-run activation
Grid Tools extension icon in browser toolbar prompting first-run activation
Screenshot: Grid Tools sign-in panel open inside the browser extension popup
Grid Tools sign-in panel open inside the browser extension popup
Screenshot: Grid Tools toolbar showing Pro tier badge after successful activation
Grid Tools toolbar showing Pro tier badge after successful activation

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Grid Tools account to use the free tools?

A Grid Tools account is required to verify entitlement and activate even the free tier. Account creation is free and takes under a minute.

Is my Grid Tools account the same as my Smartsheet account?

No. Grid Tools uses a separate account system. You sign in to Grid Tools through the browser extension popup, not through Smartsheet.

What if my Pro tools are still locked after signing in?

Verify that the email used to sign in matches the email on your Grid Tools subscription. If it still does not unlock, see the troubleshooting guide.

Does activation need to be repeated in each browser?

Yes. If you use both Chrome and Firefox, you need to complete the activation flow separately in each browser.

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