In today’s fast-paced digital world, having efficient spreadsheet tools is key¹. Excel for the web is changing how we handle Excel workbooks. It lets users work on spreadsheets from anywhere, at any time¹.

It’s part of Microsoft’s online Office tools, working well with OneDrive¹. This cloud storage lets users access spreadsheets from any device with internet. Creating or editing a workbook is easy, thanks to the cloud-based Excel for the web¹.

Key Takeaways

• Excel for the web is a browser-based application that allows you to view and edit Excel workbooks online
• Many of the same features from the desktop version of Excel are available in the web-based version
• OneDrive is used to access and manage your Excel files in the cloud
• Excel for the web automatically saves your work as you make changes
• Collaborating on spreadsheets with others in real-time is possible through Excel for the web

What is Excel Online?

Excel Online is a web-based version of Microsoft’s famous spreadsheet software, Excel. It lets users make, edit, and work together on Excel files right in their web browser. You don’t need to install the full desktop app². This cloud-based tool, also known as browser-based excel or web excel, has a similar look and feel to the desktop version. It’s great for those who like to work on spreadsheets online.

Excel for the Web: Browser-Based Spreadsheet Application

Excel for the web is a strong, cloud-based spreadsheet app. It lets users access and work with their Excel files from any device with internet². This web version of Excel offers a smooth experience. Users can use many of the same features and tools they’re used to in the desktop app, like formulas, charts, and pivot tables².

Familiar Interface and Features of Desktop Excel

Excel Online has a familiar look and features, just like the desktop version of Excel². This makes it easy for users to switch between the web and desktop versions. They can use the same ribbon, find common tools and functions, and work with data in a similar way². But, it’s important to know that Excel Online might not have all the advanced features of the desktop version³.

“Excel Online provides a seamless experience, allowing users to leverage many of the same features and tools they are accustomed to in the desktop application.”

In summary, Excel Online is a cloud-based spreadsheet solution with a user-friendly interface and familiar features from the desktop version². This web app lets users create, edit, and collaborate on spreadsheets from their web browsers without needing a local install². Even though it might not have all the advanced features, Excel Online is still a great tool for individuals and teams needing browser-based spreadsheet management³²⁴.

Accessing Excel Online with OneDrive

To use Excel Online, you need a Microsoft account and OneDrive access. OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service⁵. Getting a Microsoft account lets you sign into OneDrive and other Microsoft services⁶. If you use Office 2013 or Office 2016, you can save files to OneDrive from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Just go to File > Save As and pick OneDrive⁶.

If you’re using Office 2010, save files to OneDrive from Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. Click File, then Save & Send, and choose Save to Web.

Upload Existing Excel Workbooks to OneDrive

With a Microsoft account, you can upload your Excel files to OneDrive. This makes them easy to access from any device with web access⁵. You can view, edit, and work on Excel files from anywhere, without a physical copy or installing Excel on many devices⁶.

Excel files on OneDrive can be opened in Excel for the web. Here, you can sort, filter, and refresh data in your browser⁶. You can also edit spreadsheets, add formulas, and format them, with changes saved automatically⁶. Plus, you can work on Excel files with others at the same time.

“Accessing Excel Online with OneDrive allows users to view, edit, and collaborate on their Excel files from anywhere, without the need to carry around a physical copy of the file or install the desktop version of Excel on multiple devices.”

Creating and Editing Workbooks in excel online

Users can create new Excel workbooks right in Excel Online. Just sign in to your Microsoft OneDrive account and go to the folder for your new workbook. Then, pick the “Excel workbook” option from the “Create” menu. This opens a blank workbook in the Excel for the web interface, ready for you to start adding data and formulas.

Creating Excel workbooks in the cloud means they save automatically to your OneDrive as you work. This cloud method gives you a smooth experience. Your work is always backed up and you can access it from any device with internet.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or tweaking an old workbook, Excel for the web feels familiar and easy to use. It has all the main features of desktop Excel, making the switch to cloud-based spreadsheets easy.

Feature	Excel Desktop	Excel Online
Formulas and Functions	✓	✓
Data Visualization	✓	✓
Real-Time Collaboration	✓	✓
File Management	✓	✓

Excel Online lets you work on your workbooks from anywhere, on any device. You get the same features and functionality that make Excel top in spreadsheets. It’s great for both experts and beginners, offering flexibility and ease for modern work and teamwork.

“Excel Online provides a seamless experience for creating and editing spreadsheets, with all the core features I need right at my fingertips.”

• Create new Excel workbooks directly in the cloud
• Enjoy the same robust functionality as desktop Excel
• Access and edit your workbooks from any device with an internet connection
• Automatically save changes to your OneDrive storage

Viewing and Interacting with Data in Excel Online

Excel Online lets users view and work with data in spreadsheets without needing the full desktop version⁷. It has basic editing tools for tasks like sorting, filtering, and making PivotTables⁷.

The Full Fidelity Reading View in Excel Online shows everything you can see in the Editing View in your web browser⁷. This means you can easily check your spreadsheets, even without the desktop Excel.

Excel Online also lets you see charts and other visuals from your workbooks⁷. Though it lacks advanced tools like Power Pivot and Slicers, it has over 400 functions for data work⁷.

If you need to make complex changes or use special features, you can open your workbook in the full desktop Excel⁷. This gives you more tools and options.

In short, Excel Online helps users view, work with, and analyze data in spreadsheets, even without the desktop version⁷. It’s a flexible and easy way to manage and share spreadsheet projects⁷.

Collaborating with Others on excel online Workbooks

Excel Online makes it easy to work together on shared workbooks. You can collaborate excel online by sharing files with others. This lets people view, edit, or comment on the workbook together⁸. Everyone can see updates as they happen.

Share Workbooks and Allow Simultaneous Editing

Excel for the web lets anyone with the link edit by default⁸. You can change this to need a password or set an expiration date⁸. When working together, you can see each other’s edits live.

Comments are marked with a purple flag in the cells they affect⁸.

Co-authoring and Real-Time Updates

Excel Online’s co-authoring lets you see where others are working and what they’re changing⁸. This makes working together smooth and avoids version issues⁸. You can chat with others in the file to coordinate your work⁸.

Multiple users can edit an Excel spreadsheet at once by sharing it via OneDrive or SharePoint⁸. The tracking changes feature keeps a history of edits for a while⁸.

Using the Share feature in Excel gives you three ways to share: Share, Copy Link, and Manage Access⁹. You can pick what parts of the workbook to share with others⁹. The Share option sends an email with a link to the shared cells⁹. Or, you can give out the link yourself⁹.

The Sharing settings let you set permissions and expiration dates, and even require a password⁹. You can work on the document together in real-time with Excel 365 for the web or in a Teams meeting⁹.

“The process demonstrated in the material focuses on Microsoft 365 for a PC and Excel 365 for the web, noting that other versions may function differently.”⁹

The Threaded Comments feature lets you keep conversations in one thread¹⁰. Mentioning coworkers in comments sends them emails¹⁰. The Show Changes tool tracks edits for up to 60 days¹⁰. You can go back to any edit on a cell¹⁰.

The Sheet Views feature lets you create custom views without affecting others¹⁰. The Autosave feature shows changes instantly¹⁰. Excel Online lets you share workbooks with people outside your company as Guest Contributors¹⁰.

Collaborators’ initials show when they’re editing to highlight their work¹⁰. The task assignment feature is great for mentioning someone in Excel Online¹⁰. Sheet Views work best in documents stored in SharePoint or OneDrive¹⁰.

Edits are time-stamped automatically¹⁰. You can start discussions using Group Chat in Teams or Skype from Excel¹⁰. The Show Changes tool shows edits across devices like Desktop, Mac, iOS, and iPad¹⁰.

You can sign up for the Excel newsletter by giving your email for a sample workbook¹⁰. People not in Microsoft 365 are seen as Guest Contributors¹⁰.

Commenting and Chatting in Shared Workbooks

Excel Online has made working together on spreadsheets easier. It lets people edit spreadsheets at the same time. It also has strong comment and chat tools to help teams work better together¹¹.

With Excel Online, you can add comments to certain cells or areas. This lets colleagues give feedback, ask questions, or talk about changes right in the document. Everyone working on the document can see these comments, making it easier to review and give feedback¹¹.

But there’s more to it. Excel Online also has a live chat feature. This lets team members talk about the workbook in real time. It’s great for teams working from different places, keeping everyone connected and on the same page¹¹.

These collaboration features in Excel Online bring teams closer, no matter where they are. They make giving feedback, talking, and keeping track of changes easier. Excel has become a key tool for teamwork¹¹.

“Excel has evolved into a robust collaborative platform offering features for tracking changes, managing permissions, and fostering communication.”

The new way of working together in Excel Online is much better than the old “Shared Workbooks” method. Now, many people can work on the same Excel file at the same time. Everyone sees the changes happening live¹².

The commenting and chatting tools in Excel Online keep teams connected and working well, even from afar. Using these collaboration tools, businesses can work more efficiently and effectively. This leads to better results for everyone¹¹.

excel online: Limitations and Risks of Using Spreadsheets

Excel Online is a handy tool for managing spreadsheets in the cloud. But, it’s important to know the risks and limitations of using spreadsheets online. These tools can be prone to errors and can be a challenge for keeping data safe and accurate.

Data Integrity and Error-Prone Nature of Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are often full of errors. In fact, up to 90% of them have mistakes that can mess up the results¹³. This is a big problem because spreadsheets let users enter data without checking it. This can lead to mistakes, inconsistent data, and big problems for companies that depend on them.

Entering data manually in spreadsheets can also cause errors, especially with complex formulas or when many people work on the same document¹³. As businesses get bigger, managing more data becomes harder. This can make it tough to get useful insights from the data.

Spreadsheets don’t have strong security like good encryption or controls for who can see the data¹³. This makes sensitive info in spreadsheets at risk of being stolen or accessed without permission.

“Spreadsheets are not designed to handle large volumes of data or complex data structures, leading to scalability issues as a business grows.”¹³

Even with Excel Online, these basic problems of spreadsheets still exist¹³. As companies grow and need better data management, looking for alternatives to spreadsheets becomes more important.

New cloud-based databases offer strong, secure, and easy-to-use options instead of Excel¹³¹⁴¹⁵. These tools help companies manage and analyze their data safely and keep it accurate.

Migrating from Excel to Cloud Databases

Many organizations are moving from Excel to cloud databases to handle their data better. Cloud databases like Caspio offer a secure way to manage data. They have features like data validation, access controls, and automatic backups.

Cloud databases can handle big datasets, growing with your data needs¹⁶. Caspio has been helping businesses manage data for over 20 years. They offer powerful online databases for unlimited users, with fast performance and great response times, even for millions of records¹⁶.

Switching from spreadsheets to a database improves data security and business continuity. Caspio lets you create web apps with lots of features without needing much effort. Users can make a variety of Excel database apps, limited only by their creativity¹⁶.

Benefits of Cloud Databases Over Spreadsheets

• Enhanced data integrity and security: Cloud databases have advanced data validation, access controls, and automatic backups. This ensures your data is reliable and safe.
• Scalability and performance: Cloud databases can handle large datasets and scale up as needed, keeping response times fast.
• Streamlined data management: Cloud databases let you combine old spreadsheets and databases into one place for easier management¹⁶.
• Customization and automation: With cloud databases, you can create custom apps and automate workflows. This boosts efficiency and productivity¹⁶.

Moving from spreadsheets to the cloud is a big step, but it’s worth it. It improves data management, security, and business agility¹⁷.

“Caspio has received 5-star ratings on Gartner and Capterra for its services, and has helped in building hundreds of cloud database applications with ease.”¹⁶

By using cloud databases, organizations can beat the limits of spreadsheets. This opens up new chances for making data-driven decisions and innovation.

Building Applications from Excel Data

After moving Excel data to a cloud database, companies can make powerful apps. These apps go beyond what spreadsheets can do. They use low-code or no-code platforms to build business solutions easily.

Examples: Sales Dashboards, Asset Management, Finance Trackers

Examples of these apps include sales dashboards, asset management systems, and finance trackers. These tools make workflows smoother, improve data visibility, and help make better decisions. By turning their Excel data into a cloud, companies can make solutions that fit their needs.

Sales dashboards give real-time insights into sales performance and forecasting. Asset management systems track and maintain important equipment. Finance trackers help with accounting and reporting.

These apps use cloud databases and no-code development to unlock Excel data’s full potential. Building apps from Excel data boosts productivity, improves data accuracy, and helps make better business decisions.

“The maximum file size limit for uploading an Excel file in Power Apps is 5 GB¹⁸. The system uploads the first 20 rows of sample data when creating an app from an Excel file for review, with the remaining data uploaded in the background¹⁸. The Copilot AI feature in Power Apps suggests table names, descriptions, column data types, and headers when creating tables¹⁸. Dataverse tables can be generated when uploading an Excel file, allowing for secure cloud data storage¹⁸. The current data upload process lacks consideration for the environment data format setting, as noted in the known issues section¹⁸.”

Turning Excel data into a cloud database helps companies make solutions that improve workflows and decision-making¹⁹. This shift to web applications is seen in many industries, like healthcare and education¹⁹. These apps offer better data handling, secure collaboration, and streamlined processes.

No-code platforms have changed how we make software and web apps, making it easy for all skill levels to create apps¹⁹. This has made companies more agile and efficient, reducing the need for traditional coding methods¹⁹.

The²⁰ Summer of Solutions challenge has four entry periods until July 14th, 2024²⁰. The Biz Apps Partner Summit is on July 24-25, 2024²⁰. The TechCon365 & Power Platform Conference is on August 12-16, 2024²⁰. The Power Platform Community Conference is from September 18-20, 2024²⁰. These events let companies learn about building apps from Excel data and no-code development.

Join the No-Code Movement with Cloud Databases

The rise of no-code development has changed how companies build apps. Now, with cloud databases, they can quickly make apps that fit their business needs²¹. Moving data from Excel to a cloud database brings more flexibility, scalability, and functionality²¹.

Caspio lets users without coding skills create strong, database-based apps. These apps make workflows smoother, data more reliable, and decisions better²¹²². By using no-code tools and cloud databases, companies can keep up with digital changes and lead the competition²¹.

Kohezion is another no-code platform offering a free trial for building online databases²³. It has many business apps for sales, projects, support, and more²³. Kohezion helps teams build apps without coding with tools like online forms and data visualization²³.

• The no-code movement is set to be worth $21.2 billion by 2022, says Forrester Research²².
• No-code platforms boost agility, cut costs and time, speed up deployment, and spark innovation²².
• These platforms help with mobile apps, online databases, and improving customer experiences²².

By adopting no-code and cloud databases, companies can make their operations smoother, data more reliable, and stay competitive in a digital world²¹²³²².

“No-code tools empower individuals to build technology faster, easier, and cheaper without requiring coding skills.”²²

No-Code Platform	Rating	Number of Reviews
AppSheet	4.8 stars	502
Caspio	4.6 stars	135
Forms on Fire	4.7 stars	101
Intellect	4.5 stars	49
Involve.me	4.6 stars	47

Conclusion

Excel Online is a great tool for working on spreadsheets in the cloud. It has a familiar look and lots of features²⁴. But, it’s key to know the downsides of using spreadsheets too much²⁵. Moving your Excel data to a cloud database opens up new chances. You can make custom apps without coding, which makes work flow better, keeps data safe, and helps make smarter choices.

The rise of no-code and cloud databases is changing how businesses work for the better²⁵. You can make apps that fit your needs without knowing how to code. This lets you use your²⁶ Excel data to innovate, work more efficiently, and stay ahead in the digital world.

Think about moving from²⁵ Excel Online to cloud databases and no-code apps as you plan your digital growth. These tools can boost your productivity, data safety, and strategic thinking. This puts your business in a strong spot for the future.

FAQ

What is Excel Online?

Excel Online is a web app that lets users view and edit Excel files in their browser. It looks and works a lot like the desktop version of Excel. This makes it easy for users to work on spreadsheets from anywhere.

How do I access Excel Online?

To use Excel Online, you need a Microsoft account and access to OneDrive. With a Microsoft account, you can upload your Excel files to OneDrive. Then, you can access them from any device with a web browser.

Can I create new workbooks in Excel Online?

Yes, you can make new workbooks in Excel Online. First, sign in to OneDrive. Then, go to the folder where you want your new workbook. Finally, choose “Excel workbook” from the “Create” menu.

What features are available in Excel Online?

Excel Online lets you view and work with your Excel data. You can sort, filter, and expand PivotTables. You can also enter or change data and apply simple formatting.

Can I collaborate with others on Excel Online workbooks?

Yes, you can share Excel files with others in Excel Online. You can give them permission to view, edit, or comment. This lets multiple people work on the same file together, with updates seen by everyone in real time.

What are the limitations of using Excel Online?

Excel Online is great for working with spreadsheets, but it has limits. It can be prone to errors and lacks the checks of a database. Always be aware of these risks when using it.

How can I migrate from Excel to a cloud database solution?

Moving your Excel data to a cloud database opens up new possibilities. You can build custom apps that improve workflows, data quality, and decision-making without coding.

What are the benefits of building applications from Excel data?

Turning your Excel data into a cloud database lets you create custom apps. These apps can do more than spreadsheets, like managing sales, assets, and finances. They help streamline processes and make better decisions.

Source Links

1. Work with worksheet data in OneDrive – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/work-with-worksheet-data-in-onedrive-c051a205-1c06-4feb-94d8-793b0126b53a
2. Differences between using a workbook in the browser and in Excel – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/differences-between-using-a-workbook-in-the-browser-and-in-excel-f0dc28ed-b85d-4e1d-be6d-5878005db3b6
3. Excel Online vs Excel Desktop App: How Do They Compare? | Excel Help – https://www.excelhelp.com/excel-online-vs-excel-desktop/
4. How to use Excel: A beginner’s guide | Zapier – https://zapier.com/blog/excel-online-guide/
5. Excel Online (OneDrive) – Connectors – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/connectors/excelonline/
6. Using Office for the web in OneDrive – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/using-office-for-the-web-in-onedrive-dc62cfd4-120f-4dc8-b3a6-7aec6c26b55d
7. Excel for the web – Service Descriptions – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/servicedescriptions/office-online-service-description/excel-online
8. How to Share an Excel Workbook Online (in 6 Steps) – https://www.wikihow.com/Share-an-Excel-Workbook-Online
9. Collaboration with an Excel workbook – https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2023/jul/collaboration-with-excel-workbook.html
10. Share and Collaborate in Excel – https://www.myonlinetraininghub.com/share-and-collaborate-in-excel
11. Sharing, Editing and Managing Excel Workbooks with Microsoft 365 – https://www.excelace.co.uk/articles/sharing-editing-and-managing-workbooks-with-microsoft-365/
12. Collaborate on Excel Workbooks – The Definitive Guide – https://www.xltrail.com/blog/collaborate-on-excel-workbooks
13. The Risks and Limitations of Leveraging Excel for Data Management – https://www.knack.com/blog/excel-data-management/
14. 22 Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Spreadsheets for Business – https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/dangers-of-using-spreadsheets-for-sales
15. Overcoming the Limitations of Excel for Data Management – https://www.caspio.com/blog/excel-data-management-problems/
16. Convert Excel Spreadsheets Into Web Database Apps – https://www.caspio.com/use-cases/convert-excel-spreadsheets-to-web/
17. From Excel-Hell to cloud database heaven – https://restdb.io/blog/from-excel-hell-to-cloud-database-heaven
18. Create a canvas app with data from an Excel file – Power Apps – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/maker/canvas-apps/get-started-create-from-data
19. Excel Web Application: Transform Your Spreadsheets into Dynamic Web Apps – https://www.knack.com/blog/excel-based-web-application/
20. Turn complex Excel spreadsheet to app – https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Building-Power-Apps/Turn-complex-Excel-spreadsheet-to-app/td-p/2570762
21. Convert Your Excel Spreadsheets Into a Cloud Database – https://www.caspio.com/blog/excel-to-cloud-database/
22. The Best No-Code Platforms of 2021 That Serve Different Purposes | Intellect – https://intellect.com/blog/the-best-no-code-platforms-of-2021-serve-different-purposes-2/
23. No-Code Online Database for Business Process Automation – https://www.kohezion.com/
24. Getting Started with Excel 365 Online – Velsoft Blog – https://blog.velsoft.com/2019/06/06/getting-started-with-excel-365-online/
25. Microsoft Excel Online vs. Google Sheets: Comparing Twelve Features – News, tips & guidance for agile, development, Atlassian-Software (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, …) and Google Cloud – https://seibert.group/blog/en/microsoft-excel-online-vs-google-sheets-comparing-twelve-features/
26. Analyze Data in Excel – Microsoft Support – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/analyze-data-in-excel-3223aab8-f543-4fda-85ed-76bb0295ffc4