# Concepts Learn about the key concepts related to [Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs). ## AI concepts ### AI provider Company, platform, or server that provides [models](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#model) to Autosheet add-ons. Autosheet integrates with multiple AI providers, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. See the [complete list of supported models](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/models/ai-providers-and-models). ### API endpoint URL address that gives access to one or more [models](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#model) served by an [AI provider](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#ai-provider). An API endpoint acts as the "gateway" through which Autosheet sends your prompts, model settings, and other parameters, and from which it receives the model's responses. API endpoints give you access to more models and afford you more control and privacy, and let you benefit from the terms of service you have with an AI service, such as cost and rate limits. You set up API endpoints for your [space](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#space) in the Autosheet dashboard. All users in the space automatically have access to any and all models available through the endpoints, but only the space owner and admins can set and manage the endpoints. [Learn more.](https://autosheet.com/docs/admin/ai-configuration/manage-api-endpoints) ### API key Unique identifier that grants access to [models](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#model) served by [AI providers](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#ai-provider). API keys give you access to more models and afford you more control and privacy, and let you benefit from the terms of service you have with an AI service, such as cost and rate limits. You set API keys for your [space](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#space) in the Autosheet dashboard. All users in the space automatically have access to any and all models associated with the keys, but only the space owner and admins can set and manage the keys. Billing for a key reflects its usage by all users. [Learn more.](https://autosheet.com/docs/admin/ai-configuration/manage-api-keys) ### Formula (spreadsheet) A spreadsheet formula is an expression you enter into a spreadsheet cell to calculate a value, process text, retrieve data, or perform some other task that returns a result. Formulas can contain [functions](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#function-spreadsheet), cell references, operators, as well as numbers, text, and other values. A formula always starts with the equal sign `=`, which tells the spreadsheet to evaluate the expression instead of treating the entry as plain text. The following simple formula consists of single function, `SUM`, which adds values: ``` =SUM(A1:A5) ``` The following more complex formula, which consists of two functions, one nested inside the other, runs the inner `GPT` function only if the cell `A1` is not blank, which is determined by the outer `IF` function. If `A1` is not blank, the formula returns the result from the `GPT` function; if `A1` is blank, the formula returns an empty value. ``` =IF(A1="", "", GPT("Write a tagline for", A1)) ``` ### Function (spreadsheet) A spreadsheet function is a predefined [formula](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#formula-spreadsheet) that performs a specific task in a spreadsheet, such as calculating values, processing text, or retrieving data. Functions always return a result. Functions typically take one or more parameters as input, which tell them how exactly to perform their task and generate their result. For example, the `SUM` function adds values: ``` =SUM(A1:A5) ``` Functions can be divided into native functions, which are built into the spreadsheet software, such as `SUM` in Excel and Sheets, and custom functions, which come from user scripts or third-party software, such the `GPT` function in GPT for Excel – Autosheet and GPT for Sheets – Autosheet. You can use a function on its own (a simple formula) or combine it with other functions to create more complex formulas, optionally with nesting and conditional logic. ### Global instructions Specific guidelines provided to the model to define its role, expertise, or how it should respond to prompts. Global instructions are set in the sidebar of the Autosheet add-ons, and remain active in the document or spreadsheet until you change them. ### Model Large language model (LLM) used in an Autosheet add-on. The available models depend on whether you are using only [built-in models](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#built-in-model) or also [connected models](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#connected-model). See the [complete list of supported models](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/models/ai-providers-and-models). #### Cloud-hosted model Model served over the internet by a cloud-based AI platform. This is in contrast to models served by an LLM server running on a local machine. Compared to local models, cloud-hosted models generally run on more powerful hardware, but require online access and involve sending data over the internet to an external service. For using cloud-hosted models, Autosheet supports multiple AI providers, both model creators, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, and model hosts, such as Anyscale, Fireworks AI, Together AI, or [any platform with an OpenAI-compatible API endpoint](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/setup/manage-models/connect-to-api-endpoints). #### Content fetching model Some web search models can access the full content from specific URLs. The full content is added to the context of the models, so they can use it to answer questions about the content or extract information from it. #### Local model Model served by an LLM server running on a local machine, such as your own computer or another computer on a local network. This is in contrast to models served over the internet by a cloud-based AI platform. Compared to cloud-hosted models, local models offer enhanced data privacy and offline access. For using local models, Autosheet supports [any LLM server with an OpenAI-compatible API](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/setup/manage-models/connect-to-api-endpoints). #### Reasoning model Reasoning models are trained to think before they answer, producing an internal chain of thought before responding to a prompt. They generate two types of output tokens: - **Reasoning tokens** make up the model's internal chain of thought. These tokens are typically not visible in the output from most providers. - **Completion tokens** make up the model's final visible response. #### Vision model Vision models can process images as input. The following features support vision models: - **Custom prompt** bulk tool in [GPT for Sheets – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/bulk-tools/reference#custom-prompt) and [GPT for Excel – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/bulk-tools/reference#custom-prompt) - **Prompt images (Vision)** bulk tool in [GPT for Sheets – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/bulk-tools/reference#prompt-images-vision) and [GPT for Excel – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/bulk-tools/reference#prompt-images-vision) - **GPT_VISION** function in [GPT for Sheets – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/gpt-functions/reference#gpt_vision-function) and [GPT for Excel – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/gpt-functions/reference#gpt_vision-function) For information about supported and recommended vision models, see: - [Use images in bulk tool prompts in Sheets](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/bulk-tools/use-images-in-prompts) / [Use images in bulk tool prompts in Excel](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/bulk-tools/use-images-in-prompts) - [Use images in GPT function prompts in Sheets](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/gpt-functions/use-images-in-prompts) / [Use images in GPT function prompts in Excel](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/gpt-functions/use-images-in-prompts) #### Web search model All web search models can go beyond their built-in knowledge by accessing information from search engines, like Google or Bing. This allows models, which have compressed historical knowledge, to explore topics in greater depth, with more current data or with a specific focus. ### Prompt Input text given to the model to generate a response or perform a task. Prompts can be included in the sidebar of the Autosheet add-ons, or passed as arguments in GPT functions. For guidance, see [How to write a good prompt](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/how-to-write-good-prompt). ### Rate limit Restriction on the number of tokens or on the number of requests that can be processed within a certain time frame (minute, day, month). AI providers set rate limits on their models. Google also enforces rate limits on the daily number of requests. [Learn more.](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/models/rate-limits) ### Token A token is a unit of text, such as a word, subword, punctuation mark, or symbol. Models split all input and output text into tokens for processing. Model providers use tokens as the basic unit for measuring model usage. Input tokens from your prompt and output tokens from the model's response contribute to your credit consumption. For more information, see [Tokens](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/models/tokens) and [How credits are consumed](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/pricing/how-credits-are-consumed). ### Web search context Web search models do not fetch full page content. Instead, they read search result snippets, like you would see on a Google search results page. The snippets are added to the **context** of the models, so they can use the information to generate a response. The larger the context, the more information a model can retrieve from each web source, producing richer and more detailed responses. For some models, you can select the **context size** in the [model settings](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/bulk-tools/search-web#model-specific-settings). ## Autosheet concepts ### Agent The **Agent** is the chat interface for spreadsheet work in GPT for Excel – Autosheet and GPT for Sheets – Autosheet. Describe what you need in plain language — from everyday spreadsheet tasks to row-by-row bulk processing across large datasets — and the Agent reads your data, determines the required steps, and executes them directly in your spreadsheet. ![Agent in the Autosheet sidebar](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/gpt-for-sheets/agent-in-sidebar.png) For more information, see [Agent in GPT for Sheets – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/agent) and [Agent in GPT for Excel – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/agent). ### Agent model Model used by the [Agent](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#agent) to handle chat messages, thinking, and spreadsheet tasks that do not require bulk processing with AI. For a list of supported Agent models, see [AI providers and models supported by Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/models/ai-providers-and-models#agent-models). ### Built-in model Model that is available in an Autosheet add-on out of the box. This is in contrast to a [connected model](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#connected-model), which you make available yourself by setting an [API key](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#api-key) (for a provider-connected model) or setting up an [API endpoint](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#api-endpoint) (for an endpoint-connected model). Built-in models let you get started quickly and are available on both [subscription](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/pricing/subscription) and [pay-as-you-go](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/pricing/pay-as-you-go) pricing. ### Bulk model Models used in [bulk tools](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#bulk-tools) (manually or [Agent](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#agent)-run) and [GPT functions](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#gpt-functions) to perform bulk processing with AI. For a list of supported bulk models, see [AI providers and models supported by Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/models/ai-providers-and-models#bulk-models). ### Bulk tools **Bulk tools** allow you to run prompts on specific spreadsheet columns at once without writing any formulas. You configure and run bulk tools from the add-on sidebar. You can also easily reuse past prompts and configurations with the **History** feature. Autosheet provides dedicated bulk tools for selected use cases, such as translation, classification/categorization, and extraction, as well as a generic bulk tool for fully custom prompts. ![Bulk tools in the Autosheet sidebar](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/gpt-for-excel/bulk-tools-in-sidebar.png) For more information, see [Bulk tools in GPT for Sheets – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/bulk-tools) and [Bulk tools in GPT for Excel – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/bulk-tools). ### Connected model Model that you make available in an Autosheet add-on yourself. This is in contrast to a [built-in model](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#built-in-model), which is available out of the box. You have two types of connected models: - **Endpoint-connected models** are available through an [API endpoint](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#api-endpoint) that you set up for a [cloud-based AI platform](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#cloud-hosted-model) or [local LLM server](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#local-model). - **Provider-connected models** are available with an [API key](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#api-key) you set for an [AI provider](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#ai-provider). API keys and API endpoints give you access to more models and afford you more control and privacy, and let you benefit from the terms of service you have with an AI service, such as cost and rate limits. #### Endpoint-connected model [Connected model](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#connected-model) that you make available in an Autosheet add-on by setting up an [API endpoint](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#api-endpoint) for a [cloud-based AI platform](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#cloud-hosted-model) or [local LLM server](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#local-model). API endpoints give you access to more models and afford you more control and privacy, and let you benefit from the terms of service you have with an AI service, such as cost and rate limits. #### Provider-connected model [Connected model](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#connected-model) that you make available in an Autosheet add-on by setting an [API key](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#api-key) for an [AI provider](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#ai-provider). API keys give you access to more models and afford you more control and privacy, and let you benefit from the terms of service you have with an AI service, such as cost and rate limits. ### GPT functions **GPT functions** are custom [spreadsheet functions](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#function-spreadsheet) that allow you to prompt AI from inside spreadsheet cells. GPT functions work exactly like native functions in that you can use them on their own or combine them with other functions when creating [formulas](https://autosheet.com/docs/resources/guides/concepts#formula-spreadsheet). Autosheet provides dedicated GPT functions for selected use cases, such as translation, classification, and web search, as well as a generic GPT function for all other use cases. You can define function-specific parameters to further refine how the AI generates responses. You can find a list of all available functions with usage examples in the add-on sidebar. ![List of GPT functions in the Autosheet sidebar](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/gpt-for-sheets/gpt-functions-in-sidebar.png) For more information, see [All GPT functions in GPT for Sheets – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/gpt-functions/reference) and [All GPT functions in GPT for Excel – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/gpt-functions/reference). ### Sidebar Panel in Autosheet add-ons where users can interact with the AI, input prompts, and adjust settings. When you launch the Autosheet add-ons, the sidebar opens on the right side of the screen. **G Sheets** ![Sheets add-on](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/gpt-for-sheets/sidebar.png) **MS Excel** ![Excel add-in](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/gpt-for-excel/sidebar.png) **MS Word** ![Word add-in](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/gpt-for-word/sidebar.png) **G Docs** ![Docs add-on](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/gpt-for-docs/sidebar.png) ### Space A space is the administrative hub for Autosheet. Available through the [Autosheet dashboard](https://dashboard.autosheet.com/), it centralizes purchases, billing, usage controls, and API keys for an individual user or a [team](https://autosheet.com/docs/admin/user-management/create-team). If you sign in to both [GPT for Sheets – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-sheets/setup/sign-in/with-google-account) and [GPT for Excel Word – Autosheet](https://autosheet.com/docs/gpt-for-excel/setup/sign-in), you will have two separate spaces, even if you sign in with the same account on both platforms. These spaces are independent: credits, users, and API keys do not carry over between platforms. You can be active in only one space at a time. If you join another user's space, you lose access to your own space's credits, API keys, and API endpoints. In the screenshot below, you can see the overview of a GPT for Sheets – Autosheet space with three space users. ![GPT for Sheets – Autosheet space in the Autosheet dashboard](https://autosheet.com/docs/article-images/dashboard/overview-google.png)