Introduction > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does ExcelWriter read existing spreadsheets?
2. Can ExcelWriter modify an existing spreadsheet?
3. Can I generate a chart using ExcelWriter?
4. What versions of Microsoft Excel does ExcelWriter support?
5. Which Microsoft Excel features are not available in ExcelWriter?
6. Does ExcelWriter include features that are not available in Microsoft Excel?
7. What software do I have to have on my server to use ExcelWriter?
8. Can I include pictures in ExcelWriter generated spreadsheets?

1. Does ExcelWriter read existing spreadsheets?

   Yes. To read data from an existing spreadsheet, use the method GetDataFromExcelSheet, or open the file using ExcelApplication.Open.

2. Can ExcelWriter modify an existing spreadsheet?

   Yes. See Modifying an Existing Spreadsheet.

3. Can I generate a chart using ExcelWriter?

   Yes. Use the method Charts.Add to generate a chart. ExcelWriter can generate 15 chart types and over 70 sub-types (see Chart Codes). ExcelWriter's numerous charting properties allow you to customize every detail of your chart.

4. What versions of Microsoft Excel does ExcelWriter support?

   ExcelWriter can produce either Excel 97/2000/2002/2003 (BIFF8) format files or Excel 95 (BIFF7) format files. Not all features are supported by Excel 95.

   Note: The ExcelTemplate object supports Excel's BIFF8 (Excel 97/2000/2002/2003) format only; ExcelTemplate does not support BIFF7 (Excel 95) format templates, and will not generate BIFF7 format files.

5. Which Microsoft Excel features are not available in ExcelWriter?

   We are constantly adding new features to ExcelWriter. If there is a particular Microsoft Excel feature currently unavailable in ExcelWriter that you would like to use, please let us know by sending an email to info@softartisans.com.

   • The ExcelApplication object and the ExcelTemplate cannot create certain Excel features such as Pivot Tables, Macros and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). However, ExcelWriter will preserve all Excel features when opening an existing spreadsheet.

     Creating a file in Microsoft Excel, and then using that XLS file as input to ExcelWriter allows you to use any Excel feature. ExcelWriter will apply changes in memory to the XLS file, such as by merging against a database or changing formatting. The modified file can be streamed to the user's browser, saved as a new file, or saved over the original file. See Modifying an Existing Spreadsheet and How to Use Templates.

   • ExcelWriter cannot create a hyperlink to a different workbook.

6. Does ExcelWriter include features that are not available in Microsoft Excel?

   Yes, ExcelWriter includes the following features, unavailable in Microsoft Excel:

   • Single step import from a database. See Importing Data from a Database.
   • Ability to stream spreadsheet back to the browser. See Output Options.
   • Template based data binding. See How to Use Templates.
   • The ability to update a server-side data source directly from client-side Microsoft Excel. See What is HotCell Technology?
   
   
7. What software do I have to have on my server to use ExcelWriter?
   
   
   • Windows NT 4, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows 2003 Server.
     
     
   • IIS 4 or higher.
     
     
   • ASP 5.0 or higher.
   
   
8. Can I include pictures in ExcelWriter generated spreadsheets?

   Yes. To add a picture to your spreadsheet, use Pictures.CreateFromFile.

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