copyFormatting

Copies formatting (not values) from a source range to a destination range within the same spreadsheet. Copies bold, colors, borders, number formats, etc.

SERVERClaude MCP x Google Docs SOURCEa-bonus/google-docs-mcp

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/a-bonus-google-docs-mcp/copyformatting.md

WHAT IT DOES

What copyFormatting does on Claude MCP x Google Docs

AI agents use copyFormatting to create or update resources in Claude MCP x Google Docs, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Claude MCP x Google Docs environment.

RISK

Why copyFormatting is rated Medium

This tool modifies spreadsheet data (formatting attributes) reversibly. It does not delete data (Destructive), execute code (Execute), or move money (Financial). It goes beyond read-only retrieval, placing it in Write category. Severity is medium because unintended formatting changes could affect data presentation and readability, but the core data values remain intact and changes are easily undone.

From the tool's definition Tool description explicitly states it 'Copies formatting' from source to destination range, modifying the destination range's visual and structural properties (bold, colors, borders, number formats).

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs copyFormatting safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Claude MCP x Google Docs, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For copyFormatting, this is the rule to start with:

copyFormatting Rate-limited

copyFormatting stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "copyFormatting": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "copyformatting_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Claude MCP x Google Docs, apply this rule, and every copyFormatting call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about copyFormatting

What does the copyFormatting tool do? +

Copies formatting (not values) from a source range to a destination range within the same spreadsheet. Copies bold, colors, borders, number formats, etc. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Claude MCP x Google Docs MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on copyFormatting? +

Register the Claude MCP x Google Docs MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for copyFormatting: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Claude MCP x Google Docs. Nothing to install.

What risk level is copyFormatting? +

copyFormatting is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit copyFormatting? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the copyFormatting rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block copyFormatting completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for copyFormatting. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides copyFormatting? +

copyFormatting is provided by the Claude MCP x Google Docs MCP server (a-bonus/google-docs-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

KEEP EXPLORING

More on Claude MCP x Google Docs, and thousands of servers like it.

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All 84 Claude MCP x Google Docs tools →

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The MCP Attack Database →

Guides

Govern customer-ops agents →Argument validation →Scoped token →