I’m trying to fill a table with data from an Excel spreadsheet. I first create a table, then right click cell A1 and select “Insert table data at A1”. First, I’m very disappointed that file type .csv is no longer accepted and you can only use .xlsx files now. Nevertheless, when I select my file, in the options it correctly displays my cell range. But when I hit OK, All it does is labels the columns and rows (A-C, 1-6) but there is no data. I’ve double checked that my text styling is not white and I’ve clicked in the cells to try to select data but there is nothing there to select.
I teach a class and have done this exact same exercise a dozen times in previous LayOut versions without any issues.
Looking at older posts, I see there’s another method for inserting table data which is simply File > Insert which automatically creates the table. This is actually much easier. Still, my initial posts does seem to be a bug.
I’ve never gone to that trouble to make a table in LO. I just insert the CSV or XLSX file via File>Insert. From there I can format the table as needed.
At least using File>Insert .csv files are still accepted.
What is the benefit to making the table before inserting the .csv or .xlsx file?
Dave, thanks for your response. I figured this out just before you posted. I would say the only advantage to inserting directly into a table is because you can choose which cell to start in. This is how I learned to do it. But I will be using File > Insert from now on!
FWIW, I usually need to massage my tables a little after getting the .csv file so I do that in LibreOffice Calc (like Excel but free) and save as .xlsx so I don’t overwrite the original .csv file or risk the edited one being overwrriten if I generate a revised .csv file. If I need additional cells above or to the left of the data I add extra rows or columns. For below and to the right it’s a simple matter of adjusting the range during insertion of the file.
I use a scrap book for schedules and other tables that are used on every job. I have a spreadsheet in my Layout template that is already linked to the scrap book table. All I have to do is rename the spread sheet for he new project and and relink to the new file in Document setup/references. A couple of things Ive found are I dont use the spread sheet formatting, It doesnt seem to come in right. Layout 2026 had problems with tables and I havent been able to see if its fixed. Trying to edit a table in an existing project causes a crash for me so I gave up and am currently using an older version of Layout. Look at the settings for the Excel Reference Options. ( when in the table right click) It has Cell range and an option for Excel formatting. I have Cell Range set to all and uncheck the Excel formatting. I do use an .xlsx file not created in Excel and it works fine.