Import an Excel file

How to bring an Excel workbook into a service: where to import, which file types work, what is kept, and what to check before you save and publish.

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What an import does

An import reads your Excel file and loads it into the service's workbook on the Configuration (Konfiguration) tab. All sheets come in, with their formulas, values, number formats and cell formatting. Defined names, Excel tables with their structured references, merged cells and drop-down lists (data validation) are kept as well.

The import replaces the whole workbook of the service. It does not touch your inputs, outputs and settings.

Import into a new service

A new service starts with an empty Configuration tab that offers three ways to begin.

1. Open the new service. You see Create a new spreadsheet (Neue Arbeitsmappe erstellen), Import an existing spreadsheet (Arbeitsmappe importieren) and Import from Google Sheets (Aus Google Sheets importieren).
2. Drop your Excel file on Import an existing spreadsheet, or click the area and choose the file. It takes .xlsx and .xls files.
3. Wait for the notice Excel file imported successfully! The workbook now shows in the editor.
4. Click Save (Speichern).

If the service still has its automatic name (it starts with "Service "), it is renamed to the file name. The notice then reads Excel file imported and service renamed to "…". You can change the name at any time in the settings; see Service settings.

Import into an existing service

1. Open the service on the Configuration tab and wait until the workbook has loaded.
2. Open the three-dots menu (⋮) at the right end of the header and choose Import from Excel (Excel importieren).
3. Read the dialog Import Excel File (Excel-Datei importieren) and confirm with Import (Importieren).
4. Choose the file. This dialog takes .xlsx, .xls and .xlsm files.
5. Click Save, then publish again so callers get the new version.

Import from Excel is only active on the Configuration tab. Bringing in a new version of a file that already has parameters is described step by step in Replace the workbook.

File types

A Google Sheet is imported by its link; see Import from Google Sheets.

Size limit

Each plan has a limit for the size of a workbook. A file above it is refused with The file is larger than …, the limit of your plan. Please use a smaller file., and the notice offers Upgrade. The numbers per plan, and ways to make a workbook smaller, are in File size limits.

What to check after an import

• Results. Compare a few calculated cells with Excel. They should show the same values.
• Error cells. Look for #NAME? and #REF!. #NAME? usually points to a macro function or a function that is not available; #REF! often points to a link into another workbook. See Supported Excel features.
• Percentages, currencies and dates. Check that the cells you plan to use as inputs and outputs carry the right number format. The format decides how a parameter is set up; see Formatting and number formats.
• Parameters. Add your inputs and outputs next: Add inputs and Add outputs.
• Save. An import is not saved by itself. Click Save, then Publish (Veröffentlichen).

If an import fails or looks wrong, see Import problems.

For developers and agents

• Accepted in the editor: .xlsx, .xls, .xlsm (macros are dropped). The drop area of a new service takes .xlsx and .xls; Import from Excel in the three-dots menu (⋮) also takes .xlsm.
• The import replaces the complete workbook. Inputs, outputs and settings stay as they are and keep pointing at the same cell addresses (Sheet!Cell).
• An import changes the draft only. A published service keeps answering with its published workbook until you save and publish again; see Publish and republish.
• An AI agent connected to the account can upload a workbook and build the service itself; see Build a service with an agent.

FAQ

How do I upload my Excel file?

Open a new service and drop the file on Import an existing spreadsheet, or click the area and choose it. In a service that already has a workbook, use the three-dots menu (⋮) in the header and choose Import from Excel. Then click Save.

Which Excel file types can I import?

.xlsx, .xls and .xlsm. An .xlsm file is imported without its macros.

Does the import keep my formulas and formatting?

Yes. Sheets, formulas, values, number formats, cell formatting, defined names, tables, merged cells and drop-down lists are kept. Macros and links to other workbooks are not; see Supported Excel features.

My file is refused as too large. What can I do?

Each plan has a workbook size limit, and a file above it is refused. Make the workbook smaller or choose a larger plan; both are described in File size limits.

Why was my service renamed after the import?

A service that still has its automatic name takes the name of the imported file. A service you named yourself keeps its name. You can change the name in the settings.

Is the import saved automatically?

No. After an import the workbook has unsaved changes, so click Save. Callers see the new workbook only after you publish again.

Can I import a .csv file?

No, the import takes Excel files only. Open the CSV in Excel, save it as .xlsx and import that file.

Where is "Import from Excel"? It is greyed out.

It is in the three-dots menu (⋮) at the right end of the header. It is only active on the Configuration tab once the workbook has loaded, so switch to that tab first.

Can an agent import a workbook for me?

Yes. An AI agent connected to your account can upload a workbook, set up inputs and outputs and test the service. See Build a service with an agent.