If you manage a Salesforce pipeline, you know the pain: endless tabs, slow load times, and that sinking feeling when you realize you haven’t updated your opportunities in a week. If you want to keep Salesforce accurate (without losing your mind), this guide is for you. I’ll show you how to use Scratchpad to update Salesforce opportunities quickly, all in one view—no tab hopping or endless clicking.
This isn’t a sales pitch. Scratchpad is a real, practical tool that cuts through Salesforce's clutter so you can spend more time selling (and less time wrestling with your CRM). Let’s get into it.
Why Bother With Scratchpad?
Before we dive in, here’s the honest truth: Salesforce’s native interface is slow and clunky for quick edits. Even “Lightning” can feel more like dial-up. If you’re a rep, you want to update next steps, close dates, or amounts fast—ideally, before your manager starts asking.
Scratchpad exists for this reason. It’s a Chrome extension (and web app) that sits on top of Salesforce, giving you a spreadsheet-like workspace to manage your pipeline. You get all your opportunities in one place, and updates sync back to Salesforce automatically.
Who this is for:
- Account Executives who need to update dozens of opps at once
- RevOps folks cleaning up pipeline before end-of-quarter
- Anyone who dreads “updating Salesforce” at the end of the day
Step 1: Get Set Up With Scratchpad
Let’s keep this simple. Here’s what you need to get started:
1. Install the Scratchpad Chrome Extension
- Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Scratchpad.”
- Click Add to Chrome.
- Follow the prompts to install.
Pro tip: You can also use the web app if you don’t want yet another extension, but the extension gives you quick access from anywhere.
2. Connect Your Salesforce Account
- Open Scratchpad (via the extension or website).
- Click Sign in with Salesforce.
- Grant the necessary permissions—Scratchpad needs access to your opportunities and accounts.
Heads up: You’ll need Salesforce credentials. Some companies require admin approval to connect third-party apps. If you hit a wall, check with your Salesforce admin.
Step 2: Create a Workspace for Opportunities
Now the fun begins. Scratchpad Workspaces are customizable views of your Salesforce data. You can make different Workspaces for different lists—like “My Pipeline,” “Deals Closing This Month,” or “Stuck Deals.”
1. Start a New Workspace
- Click New Workspace in Scratchpad.
- Select Opportunities as your object.
2. Filter Your List
- Set filters to see only the opps you care about (e.g., Owner = Me, Stage != Closed Lost).
- You can filter by close date, stage, or any custom field.
3. Pick the Fields You Want to Edit
- Choose the columns you want to see/edit. Most reps pick:
- Opportunity Name
- Stage
- Close Date
- Amount
- Next Step
- Forecast Category
- Custom fields (like “Last Activity” or “Deal Risk”)
Don’t overthink this. Start with the basics—add more columns later if you need them.
Step 3: Update Opportunities—All in One Place
Here’s where Scratchpad shines. Instead of clicking into each opportunity (and waiting for Salesforce to load), you can update everything in a fast, spreadsheet-like grid.
1. Make Inline Edits
- Click directly into any cell to update info.
- Change close dates, push stages, update next steps—just like editing a Google Sheet.
- Changes are saved automatically and pushed to Salesforce in real time.
2. Bulk Update Fields
- Select multiple rows (e.g., all deals closing this month).
- Edit a field (like Stage) for all selected opps at once.
- This is a huge time-saver—especially at quarter-end.
Pro tip: If you make a mistake, Scratchpad has an undo feature. It’s not perfect, but it beats digging through Salesforce’s audit logs.
3. Add Notes Without Leaving the Grid
- Click the notes icon on any opportunity.
- Jot down call notes or action items—these sync to Salesforce as tasks or notes.
Step 4: Keep Your Pipeline Clean (Without the Headache)
Updating opps is only useful if it helps you manage your pipeline. Here’s how to use Scratchpad to actually stay on top of things—without extra busywork.
1. Use Quick Filters
- Filter opps by Next Step is blank or Close Date is in the past.
- Knock out the problem children first.
2. Set Up Reminders
- Some Scratchpad plans let you set reminders or follow-up tasks right from the workspace.
- Or, add a “Follow Up” column and use it as a to-do list.
3. Review Before Pipeline Reviews
- Before your 1:1 or pipeline review, open your workspace and update everything in minutes.
- No more last-minute panic or vague excuses to your manager.
What Works, What Doesn’t, and What to Ignore
Let’s be real: Scratchpad isn’t magic. Here’s what’s great—and what’s not.
The Good
- Speed: Updates are way faster than Salesforce’s native UI.
- Focus: One tab, one view. No clicking into every record.
- Bulk actions: Change lots of opps at once. Huge time-saver.
The Not-So-Good
- Customization limits: You can’t do everything you can in Salesforce (like run complex reports or automations).
- Admin controls: If your company is strict about third-party tools, you might need approval.
- Mobile: The mobile experience is limited. This is a desktop power tool.
What to Ignore
- Don’t waste time trying to recreate every Salesforce report in Scratchpad. Use it for quick updates and pipeline hygiene, not analytics.
- Avoid cluttering your workspace with every possible field. Stick to what you actually update.
Pro Tips for Staying Sane
- Bookmark your workspace: Open it daily—make pipeline hygiene a habit, not a chore.
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Scratchpad supports some (like tabbing between fields). Learn them for even faster updating.
- Don’t rely on Scratchpad for everything: It’s a supplement, not a replacement for Salesforce. Use it for what it’s good at.
Keep It Simple—and Iterate
Scratchpad won’t solve all your Salesforce headaches, but it does make updating opportunities a lot less painful. Start with a basic workspace, update your deals in a few clicks, and spend more time actually selling. If something feels clunky, tweak your workspace—don’t be afraid to ditch columns or filters you don’t use.
Less time in Salesforce, more time closing deals. That’s the goal.