Import problems

An Excel or Google Sheets import is refused, fails, or the workbook looks different afterwards. This page lists each message with its cause and fix.

Messages when importing an Excel file

German texts of the most common ones: "Die Datei ist größer als …, die Grenze deines Plans. Bitte verwende eine kleinere Datei." and "Nur Excel-Dateien (.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm) werden unterstützt".

A successful import answers "Excel file imported successfully!" If the service still had its default name, it takes the name of the file: 'Excel file imported and service renamed to "…"'.

The file cannot be read

Try these in order:

1. Open the file in Excel and save it again as Excel Workbook (.xlsx), then import the new file.
2. Check that the file is a real Excel file and not another format with the ending renamed.
3. Check that the file opens in Excel without a repair message.
4. If the message names a reason after the colon, include it when you contact support.

The file is too large

The limit depends on your plan; the message names it. Ways to make a workbook smaller are in File size limits. Typical gains: delete unused sheets, remove pictures, and clear formatting in empty rows and columns.

Messages when importing from Google Sheets

Notes:

• Only sheets that are shared as "anyone with the link" can be imported. SpreadAPI does not sign in to your Google account.
• After the sheet has been fetched, the same checks as for an Excel file apply, including the size limit of your plan.
• The import takes a copy. Later changes in Google Sheets reach the service only when you sync again, save and republish. See Import from Google Sheets.

Syncing a linked Google Sheet

A sync replaces the workbook data with the latest version of the linked sheet. Inputs, outputs and AI areas are kept. Unsaved changes in the workbook are lost, and the app warns you before it starts. A successful sync answers "Synced with the latest Google Sheets version." Then Save (Speichern) and republish so that callers get the new version.

If a sync fails, the messages are the same as in the table above. The most common cause is that the sharing of the sheet was changed back to private.

The import worked, but the workbook looks wrong

1. Formulas show errors such as `#NAME?` or `#REF!`. The workbook uses something that is not available in the service, for example a link to another file. See Supported Excel features.
2. Results that came from macros are missing. Macros do not run. Rebuild the logic with formulas.
3. Data from other files is missing. Links to other workbooks are not followed; bring the data into the workbook itself.
4. Formatting looks different. Numbers are what matter for a service; adjust formats in the editor if needed. See Formatting and number formats.
5. Inputs and outputs point to the wrong cells. After importing a new version of a file whose layout changed, check every parameter. See Replace the workbook.

An import into an existing service replaces the current workbook content and keeps your parameters. Before it starts, the app says so: "This will replace your current workbook content with the imported Excel file." and "Your parameters and settings will be preserved." Unsaved changes in the workbook are lost.

After a successful import

1. Check the results in the editor with a few known values.
2. Click Save. An import alone is not saved; the app reminds you: "Excel file imported successfully! Remember to save your changes."
3. If the service is published, republish it. Callers keep getting the old version until then. See Publish and republish.

If Save answers with a message about the size of the workbook, see Publish problems.

For developers and agents

• Accepted file endings for the Excel import: .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm.
• The size check happens before the file is read; nothing is imported when it fails.
• A Google Sheets link is accepted as the full address or as the document id alone.
• An agent connected to the account creates and changes services through its own actions, not through the file import of the editor; see What an agent can do and Agent errors.
• For an agent helping a user: ask for the exact message. The message decides the fix: size → smaller file or larger plan; type → save as .xlsx; Google sharing → "Anyone with the link".

FAQ

What does "The file is larger than …, the limit of your plan" mean?

The Excel file is larger than the workbook size your plan allows, so it was not imported. Make the file smaller or upgrade; the sizes per plan are in File size limits.

What does "Only Excel files (.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm) are supported" mean?

The file you chose has another type. Save it as .xlsx in your spreadsheet program and import that file.

Can I import a CSV file?

The import takes Excel files (.xls, .xlsx, .xlsm). Open the CSV in Excel or Google Sheets, save it as .xlsx and import that.

Can I import a file with macros?

Yes, an .xlsm file is imported, but macros do not run; only the spreadsheet data and formulas are taken. Rebuild logic that lives in macros with formulas.

What does 'Couldn't read the sheet. Make sure it is shared as "anyone with the link"' mean?

The Google Sheet is private, so it cannot be fetched. In Google Sheets, set the general access under Share to "Anyone with the link" and import again.

What does "That doesn't look like a Google Sheets link" mean?

The text you entered is not the address of a Google Sheets document. Copy the address from the browser while the sheet is open; it contains /spreadsheets/d/.

What does "Google Sheet not found" mean?

No sheet exists under this link; it may have been deleted or the link is incomplete. Open the link in your browser and copy it again.

Why do I see #NAME? or #REF! after the import?

The workbook uses something that is not available in the service, for example a link to another file. See Supported Excel features for what works and what to use instead.

Does importing a new file delete my inputs and outputs?

No. The import replaces the workbook content, and your parameters and settings are preserved. Check that each one still points to the right cell, as described in Replace the workbook.

I changed my Google Sheet. Why does the service still use the old data?

The service works with a copy taken at the last import or sync. Sync again, save and republish.

I imported the file, but callers still get old results. Why?

An import changes the draft only. Save, then republish; see Wrong or old results.

What does "Import failed. Please try again." mean?

The Google Sheet could not be fetched at this moment. Check that the link opens in a browser, wait a little and import again.