--- name: excel-sheet version: "1.2" last_updated: 2026-04-25 tags: [spreadsheet, sheet, documents, automation, productivity] description: "Excel (.xlsx) manipulation via MCP server. Use for creating workbooks, formatting cells, writing formulas, building charts, pivot tables, data analysis, or any task involving Excel spreadsheets." --- # Excel Spreadsheet Workflows > Tech Stack Target / Version: Excel desktop or `openpyxl`-based spreadsheet automation with current OOXML-compatible workflows. Use this skill when the deliverable is an `.xlsx` workbook or when spreadsheet structure matters. - Leverage native parallel subagent dispatch and 200k+ context windows where available. ## Current MCP Reality Excel MCP tooling is host-dependent. In GitHub Copilot, Excel actions may appear as grouped Office tools. In Codex or Claude, those tools may be absent entirely. Treat the included Python script as the reliable fallback. ## Activation Conditions Use symptom -> action triggers: when one matches, apply this skill and verify with the protocol below. - Creating or updating workbooks - Converting CSV data into structured Excel output - Applying formulas, formatting, charts, or pivots - Producing spreadsheet deliverables when layout matters ## Practical Workflow 1. Confirm whether the client exposes spreadsheet MCP tools. 2. If yes, inspect the actual tool names before assuming a wrapper exists. 3. If no, use the local converter or author the workbook with `openpyxl`. 4. Validate formulas and chart ranges before claiming the workbook is ready. ## MCP Fallback – Native Automation When MCP is unavailable, use native automation: `openpyxl` for `.xlsx`, CSV export for flat data, and manual formula inspection for high-risk calculations. Preserve formulas, number formats, sheet names, hidden sheets, and workbook metadata, then reopen or parse the workbook before claiming success. ## Anti-Patterns - Treating source content as already clean: Formatting automation will happily preserve broken or inconsistent input. - Skipping an open-file verification pass: Documents and spreadsheets often fail in the destination app, not in the script output. - Automating irreversible edits without checkpoints: A small mapping mistake can affect an entire workbook or document. ## Verification Protocol Before claiming "skill applied successfully": 1. Pass/fail: The Excel Sheet artifact type, target format, and required output fidelity are stated before editing. 2. Pass/fail: MCP availability is checked and the native automation fallback path is named when MCP is absent. 3. Pass/fail: The produced file or formula is opened, parsed, rendered, or otherwise validated locally. 4. Pressure-test scenario: Apply the workflow to a file with formatting, metadata, or conversion edge cases and verify nothing important is lost. 5. Success metric: Zero unverified document claims; the artifact itself is the evidence. ## Workbook Checklist - [ ] Sheets are named clearly - [ ] Headers are formatted consistently - [ ] Formulas are used instead of hardcoded derived values - [ ] Charts reference the correct ranges - [ ] Frozen panes or filters are applied where useful ## References & Resources ### Documentation - [Excel Formulas Reference](./references/excel-formulas-reference.md) - Formula patterns, lookup guidance, and Power Query notes ### Scripts - [CSV to XLSX Converter](./scripts/csv-to-xlsx.py) - Local fallback for generating formatted Excel workbooks from CSV input ### Examples - [Excel Workbook Examples](./examples/excel-workbook-examples.md) - Example workbook structures and automation patterns ## Cross-Client Portability This skill is written to stay usable across GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Codex, and Gemini CLI. - GitHub Copilot: keep the folder in a Copilot-visible skill or plugin path, or wrap the workflow as project instructions if the host does not support portable skill folders directly. - Claude Code: keep the folder in a local skills directory or a compatible plugin or marketplace source. - Codex: install or sync the folder into `$CODEX_HOME/skills/` and restart Codex after major changes. - Gemini CLI: this repository generates a project command named `/skills:excel-sheet` from this skill. Rebuild commands with `python scripts/export-gemini-skill.py excel-sheet` and then run `/commands reload` inside Gemini CLI. ## MCP Availability And Fallback Preferred MCP Server: Excel MCP - Fallback prompt: "Use the Excel Spreadsheet Workflows skill without MCP. Rely on the local `SKILL.md`, bundled references or scripts, and manual verification. Show the exact commands, evidence, and final checks you used before concluding." - Use `scripts/csv-to-xlsx.py`, `openpyxl`, or desktop Excel when the spreadsheet MCP surface is missing. - Re-open the generated workbook locally to verify formulas, ranges, and frozen panes. ## Related Skills - [documentation-authoring](../documentation-authoring/SKILL.md): Use it when the workflow also needs drafting structured technical or product documents. - [notion-docs](../notion-docs/SKILL.md): Use it when the workflow also needs Notion page and database publishing workflows. - [pdf](../pdf/SKILL.md): Use it when the workflow also needs PDF extraction, generation, and layout-aware review. - [word-document](../word-document/SKILL.md): Use it when the workflow also needs Word document authoring and formatting workflows.