How To Open Online Excel In Desktop App In Excel

Opening an online Excel file in the desktop application can enhance functionality and streamline workflows. This process varies according to the platform and the software your files are hosted on.

We'll guide you through the necessary steps to open your online spreadsheets in the Excel desktop app, ensuring you can seamlessly transition between web and desktop environments.

Additionally, we'll examine why Sourcetable presents a more efficient solution for this task compared to traditional Excel techniques.

Open Online Excel in Desktop App

Choosing Where to Open Office File Links

You have the option to open links to Office files, including Excel, either in the web-based Office apps or directly in your desktop Excel application. This functionality applies to files stored on OneDrive or SharePoint.

Changing File Opening Settings

You can adjust your settings to open Excel files in the desktop app by default. This setting can be changed at any time according to your preference.

Downloading and Editing Excel Files

To edit an Excel file from OneDrive on your desktop app, first download the file. Use the 'File > Save As > Download a Copy' path. After downloading, make edits in the desktop Excel app for full feature access.

Handling Downloaded Workbooks

When prompted to open or save the workbook during the download process, choose 'Save'. Selecting 'Open' could open the workbook in Protected View, which restricts editing. Once saved, manage your downloaded workbook locally as needed.

Accessing Shared Excel Files

Excel online supports opening of shared workbooks, which can be edited using desktop integration if desired.

Desktop Integration via Co-Authoring

With desktop integration in Excel online, multiple users can co-author the same workbook in real-time. Co-authoring requires Excel files to be in .xlsx, .xlsm, or .xlsb formats and saved to OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, or a SharePoint Online library.

Co-Authoring Requirements

Co-authoring requires the latest versions of Excel and an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Ensure AutoSave is enabled to view others' changes instantly. Co-authoring is not compatible with SharePoint On-Premises sites.

Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Comparative Overview

Excel, a robust tool by Microsoft, is widely used for data analysis, budgeting, and data manipulation tasks. Known for its versatility, Excel supports complex calculations and deep data analysis, easily extendable with macros and add-ons. However, Excel's traditional sharing and collaboration features may present challenges when compared to more modern platforms.

Sourcetable, a specialized spreadsheet application, excels in centralizing data from over 100 applications with seamless syncing every 15 minutes on regular plans, and every 5 minutes on pro plans. Designed for growth teams and business operations, Sourcetable's spreadsheet-like interface is familiar yet more streamlined for business intelligence tasks.

Unmatched by Excel, Sourcetable offers real-time collaboration and an intuitive sharing experience. Users can build live models that update automatically, providing a compelling alternative for teams seeking efficient data analysis capabilities. Starting at $50 per month, Sourcetable provides an affordable, no-coding solution to centralize and analyze data, with a 14-day free trial.

The AI copilot in Sourcetable revolutionizes formula and template creation, providing support with a user-friendly chat interface. This feature is particularly valuable for users without deep Excel expertise, enabling them to perform advanced data manipulation without extensive training.

Master Your Spreadsheets Effortlessly

Transitioning from an online Excel to your desktop app can involve various steps, but with Sourcetable, the complexity is replaced with simplicity. Sourcetable’s integration with third-party tools ensures that you can access and manage your data seamlessly, without the typical hassle. Whether you're working solo or with a team, Sourcetable's interface is designed for collaborative ease.

With the help of Sourcetable AI, tasks such as automating reports or digging into spreadsheet formulas become straightforward. Sourcetable grants the power to answer any question about your data quickly and accurately, making it the ultimate tool for spreadsheet management. Dive into data analysis with confidence, knowing that Sourcetable is by your side.

Now is the time to streamline your workflow and unlock the full potential of your spreadsheets. Try Sourcetable today and experience the future of spreadsheet automation and analysis.