Spreadsheets

Documents includes a full-featured spreadsheet editor powered by Univer.js that runs directly in the browser. You can create spreadsheets from scratch, import Excel files, and export to multiple formats – all without leaving Progrid.

Creating a Spreadsheet

To create a new blank spreadsheet:

  1. Navigate to the desired folder in Documents

  2. Click New and select Spreadsheet

  3. A blank spreadsheet opens in the Univer.js editor

  4. The spreadsheet is automatically saved as you work

The new spreadsheet document is created with the type spreadsheet and its data is stored as JSON in the system.

The Spreadsheet Editor

The Univer.js spreadsheet editor provides a familiar spreadsheet interface with the following capabilities:

Cell editing

  • Click any cell to select it and begin typing

  • Use the formula bar at the top to view and edit cell contents

  • Press Enter to confirm and move down, Tab to confirm and move right

  • Press Escape to cancel editing

Formulas

The editor supports standard spreadsheet formulas. Begin any cell value with = to enter a formula. Common formula categories include:

  • Math: SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, COUNT, ROUND

  • Text: CONCATENATE, LEFT, RIGHT, MID, UPPER, LOWER, TRIM

  • Logical: IF, AND, OR, NOT, IFERROR

  • Lookup: VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, INDEX, MATCH

  • Date: TODAY, NOW, DATE, YEAR, MONTH, DAY

Cell references work as expected:

  • =A1 – Reference to cell A1

  • =A1:A10 – Range reference

  • =Sheet2!A1 – Cross-sheet reference

  • =$A$1 – Absolute reference

Formatting

Format cells using the toolbar options:

  • Font: Family, size, bold, italic, underline, strikethrough

  • Alignment: Left, center, right, top, middle, bottom

  • Number format: General, number, currency, percentage, date, text

  • Borders: Cell borders with style and color options

  • Fill color: Background color for cells

  • Text color: Font color

Multiple sheets

Spreadsheets can contain multiple sheets (tabs):

  • Click the + icon at the bottom to add a new sheet

  • Right-click a sheet tab to rename, duplicate, or delete it

  • Drag sheet tabs to reorder them

  • Reference cells across sheets using the Sheet1!A1 syntax

Rows and columns

  • Insert: Right-click a row or column header to insert rows or columns

  • Delete: Right-click to delete selected rows or columns

  • Resize: Drag row or column borders to adjust size

  • Hide/Show: Right-click to hide or show rows and columns

Selection and navigation

  • Click and drag to select a range of cells

  • Hold Shift and click to extend a selection

  • Hold Ctrl and click to select multiple non-adjacent cells

  • Use Ctrl+Home to jump to cell A1

  • Use Ctrl+End to jump to the last used cell

Importing Excel Files

To import an existing Excel file into Documents:

  1. Upload the .xlsx file using the standard file upload process

  2. The system detects the Excel format and offers to open it in the spreadsheet editor

  3. The Excel data, formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets are preserved during import

Note

Complex Excel features such as macros (VBA), pivot tables, and certain chart types may not be fully supported in the Univer.js editor. Basic to intermediate spreadsheet features are well supported.

Importing from the upload endpoint

Files can also be imported programmatically through the upload endpoint (POST /progrid_documents/upload). When an .xlsx file is uploaded, it is automatically converted to the internal spreadsheet format.

Exporting Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets can be exported to several formats:

Format

Use Case

Notes

XLSX

Microsoft Excel compatibility

Preserves formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets

PDF

Printing and sharing

Static output with formatting preserved

CSV

Data exchange

Active sheet only, no formatting

To export a spreadsheet:

  1. Open the spreadsheet in the editor

  2. Select the export option from the document actions

  3. Choose the desired format

  4. The file downloads to your computer

Working with Large Datasets

For spreadsheets with large amounts of data:

  • Performance: The Univer.js editor handles thousands of rows efficiently, but very large datasets (tens of thousands of rows) may experience slower rendering

  • Formulas: Complex formulas across large ranges may take a moment to recalculate

  • Filtering and sorting: Use built-in filter and sort features to work with subsets of data

  • Multiple sheets: Distribute data across multiple sheets to keep individual sheets manageable

Tip

If you need to work with very large datasets that exceed spreadsheet capabilities, consider using Progrid reporting or dashboard features for data analysis instead.

Version Control for Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet documents follow the same version control system as other document types. Each save creates a new version, and previous versions can be restored.

Key differences for spreadsheets:

  • Versions store the complete spreadsheet JSON data

  • Restoring a version replaces all sheets and cell data

  • Formulas, formatting, and sheet structure are preserved in each version

Spreadsheets as Templates

Spreadsheets can be marked as templates to serve as reusable starting points. This is particularly powerful for quotation templates that integrate with Progrid Sales.

For detailed information on spreadsheet templates and quotation integration, see Templates.

See also