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Read Excel to Dataset Activity

The Read Excel to Dataset activity processes a specified Excel file, converting its content into a structured dataset. This activity enables the extraction of data from an Excel sheet, allowing for further manipulation and analysis within automation workflows.

Field Description Requirement
Excel name The reference name of the Excel file that has been opened or created. Required
New dataset name The reference name given to the dataset that will be created by this activity. Required
Sheet name The name of the sheet to work with in the Excel file. Optional
Sheet index The numerical index of the sheet (starting from 1). Optional
Range The specific Excel sheet range (e.g., "A1:C5"). If empty, all data is processed. Optional
Column Name Specifies a specific column to read if the entire range is not required. Optional
Has header Indicates whether the first row contains column headings. Optional
Include hyperlinks If selected, extracts the underlying URLs from cells containing hyperlinks. Optional
Disable formatted text When selected, reads raw values instead of the text as displayed in Excel formatting. Optional
Include hidden rows Includes data from rows that are hidden in the Excel sheet. Optional
Include hidden columns Includes data from columns that are hidden in the Excel sheet. Optional
Set to null Converts empty string cell values to null within the resulting dataset. Optional

Action Types & Examples

Dataset Output

  • Format: Dataset object
  • Example Result: A dataset named inventoryDS populated with rows and columns from Excel.

Implementation Examples

Field Setup

  • Excel name: SalesData
  • New dataset name: monthlyDS
  • Has header: True
  • Include hidden columns: True

Execution Parameters

  • Input: Excel instance SalesData
  • Output: A new dataset monthlyDS containing all visible and hidden column data.

Technical Notes

If the Sheet name or Sheet index field is left blank, the activity defaults to processing the first sheet in the Excel file. Using Disable formatted text is recommended for numerical data processing to avoid currency symbols or date formatting interfering with logic.