Yes, PowerApps can write to Excel files, but there are some specifics to how it works.
Excel files used as a data source in PowerApps must be formatted as tables and stored in a cloud-storage service like OneDrive for Business, SharePoint, or Dropbox.
However, Excel is not the best data source for PowerApps as we discuss towards the end of this article.
Key Facts
- PowerApps can directly write to Excel files, provided they are stored in cloud services like OneDrive or SharePoint, allowing for real-time updates and ensuring data consistency across platforms.
- For PowerApps to access and write to Excel files, the data should be organised into tables within Excel.
- The integration enables a range of practical uses, including data collection through a front-end interface in PowerApps that writes directly to an Excel sheet, and dynamic data management that allows for on-the-go updates to Excel records from custom apps.
PowerApps and Excel
Yes, PowerApps can write to Excel. PowerApps allows for a seamless connection to Excel files stored in cloud services like OneDrive or SharePoint. This integration facilitates both reading from and writing to Excel sheets.
Changes made via PowerApps can be reflected in your Excel file in real-time, ensuring data consistency across platforms.
PowerApps writes to Excel through the use of Excel tables. By connecting an Excel file as a data source, PowerApps can insert, update, or delete records in your Excel tables.
Setting Up PowerApps to Write to Excel
Setting up your Excel file to work with PowerApps is straightforward. Just ensure your data is formatted as a table, and you’re good to go.
Prerequisites
- Cloud Storage is a Must: Your Excel file needs to be stored on a cloud platform supported by PowerApps, such as OneDrive for Business or SharePoint Online. Local files are not accessible.
- Structure Matters: PowerApps interacts with Excel through tables. Thus, your data needs to be organised into tables within Excel for PowerApps to read and write effectively.
How to Set up PowerApps and Excel Connection
- Format Your Data as a Table: In Excel, ensure your data is formatted as a table. This is crucial for PowerApps to recognize and interact with your data.
- Connect to Your Excel File: Use PowerApps to connect to your Excel file as a data source by navigating through Data > Add data source > Excel [1].
Use Cases
- Data Collection: PowerApps can serve as a front-end interface for data collection, directly inputting data into an Excel sheet.
- Dynamic Data Management: Update Excel records on the go from your custom app, making data management more dynamic and flexible.
Should You Use Excel as a Data Source for PowerApps?
While you can use Excel as a data source for PowerApps, the real question is: should you use it this way?
In most cases, the short answer is no, you should not use Excel to store your PowerApps data.
Read our article on Excel as a PowerApps data source for a detailed explanation on why this is usually a bad idea.
The Bottom Line
The ability of PowerApps to write to Excel opens up opportunities for real-time data management and application development.
By leveraging cloud storage and ensuring your Excel data is table-formatted, you can integrate PowerApps with Excel, enhancing your business processes with efficient data handling capabilities.
However, as mentioned above, there are better data sources for PowerApps than Excel.
