Excel-Style Spreadsheets Inside Qlik Apps: How to Add [Tutorial]

anychart — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:20:57 GMT

This guide walks you through building a feature-rich spreadsheet that looks and feels like Excel in Qlik Sense using the Spreadsheets extension (first demoed at Qlik Connect 2025).

Check it out as a video tutorial or keep reading:

Step 1: Add the Spreadsheets Extension

Open your Qlik app and go to the Assets panel.
Head to Custom objects > AnyChart 4, and drag AnyChart Spreadsheets onto your app's sheet.

This creates a basic spreadsheet looking as follows:

Step 2: Add Data

Select the object, open the Properties panel, go to Data, and click Add.
Choose the new data section, enable Create synced sheet, and click Edit data.
Add the dimensions and measures you want to use.

This creates one more sheet, titled DataSheet1, populated with your data.

Step 3: Format Your Spreadsheet

To keep things clean, feel free to delete the empty sheet created by default, titled Sheet1.
On DataSheet1, select your table area, head to the INSERT tab, and click Table. Confirm with OK.
Apply formatting as needed, all in a familiar Excel-like interface. For example:
- Resize rows and columns.
- Change alignment and font settings from the HOME tab.

Step 4: Add Charts

You can also add charts within the spreadsheet's sheets, just like in MS Excel.

Select your data, open the INSERT tab, and choose Insert Chart.
Select a chart type, click OK, and place the chart where you need it.

Step 5: Save Changes

Whenever you need to save everything you have done, open the USER tab and click Save to app.

Step 6: Apply Selections & See Your Spreadsheet in Action

Apply filters or selections in your Qlik app.
The spreadsheet updates instantly. Charts, tables, and formulas adjust to the selected data in real time.

This works as the spreadsheet is fully connected to Qlik’s associative engine.

Optional: Export to Excel

If you want to work outside of Qlik, such as in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, feel free to export the entire spreadsheet as an .xlsx file:

Go to the FILE tab, choose Export, and select Excel format.
Click Export Excel File, enter a file name, and confirm with OK.
The file downloads immediately, ready to open in Excel or another compatible tool.

Here's how the downloaded XLSX file looks when opened in MS Excel:

Done

You now have a reactive spreadsheet, built with live Qlik data, ready to expand, customize, or share.

Helpful Links

Download the extension
Explore the demo app (view live or download QVF)
See the documentation
Request a personalized live demo

article Excel-Style Spreadsheets Inside Qlik Apps: How to Add [Tutorial] in Member Articles

Excel-Style Spreadsheets Inside Qlik Apps: How to Add [Tutorial]