created by Gemini

Renaming images in Coda

Use the hidden formula _Merge() to get job done

For any Coda builder who loves pushing the limits, the undocumented _merge() formula is a true game-changer. You won't find it in the official docs, but it's the key that unlocks the raw data hidden within rich column types like images. It converts them into their raw text representation—often as a JSON block—allowing you to use powerful formulas like ParseJSON() to pinpoint specific details like a public URL. This gives you a level of control that standard formulas simply can't offer.

I saw a challenge in the Coda community that perfectly captures why _merge() is so vital. A user had a table with hundreds of rows, where each File column was stuffed with multiple images. They were completely stuck trying to download them all automatically because their scripts just couldn't "see" the individual URLs inside the column. This is the exact kind of roadblock where _merge() becomes your solution. It cracks open that File column, exposes the data for each image, and finally gives you the URLs you need to get the job done.

The first step was to solve the immediate problem: breaking apart those bundled files into individual rows. A simple ForEach() loop on a button handles this beautifully.

theFiles.ForEach(
  [DB Target].AddRow(
    file: CurrentValue…