Datarails provides an option to open and edit Excel files stored on the platform directly in Microsoft Excel for Web. This guide outlines the process to use this feature.

Overview

Datarails now supports seamless editing of files using Microsoft Excel for Web, offering a fully Excel-compatible experience in the browser.

To access files through Excel for Web, you’ll need to log in with a Microsoft account. Depending on your setup, this account may be provided by your organization or by Datarails. Understanding which scenario applies to you is key to getting started smoothly.

Two Possible Login Scenarios:

Your organization provides your Microsoft account
You can use your existing Microsoft credentials to log in and access Excel for Web - no additional setup is needed.

Datarails provides your Microsoft account
If you don’t have an organizational Microsoft account, Datarails will create one for you. The file will be shared with this account, and your CSM will provide you with login credentials. On your first login, you’ll be prompted to change your password. Be sure to save it securely.

In both cases: once logged in, you’ll be able to view, edit, refresh, and submit files using the Datarails Flex Add-in - directly within Excel for Web. See more about the Flex Add-In here.    

Activate Excel for Web Integration

To begin, ask your customer success manager to enable the "Edit With Excel Online" feature.
When this feature is active, navigate to the organization settings dialog and locate "Microsoft Office Support for Excel Online". Ensure this option is enabled.

From the drop-down menu, select your organization name if your organization have user accounts managed through Microsoft services like Azure, Microsoft 365, or Teams. Alternatively, select Datarails. 

How to Open Files in Excel for Web

From the Workspace

1. Navigate to the Workspace.
2. Locate the file you wish to open.
3. Click on the "Edit" option.
4. Log in using your Microsoft credentials or the credentials provided by Datarails.
5. Start editing your file directly in Excel for Web. Once your edits are complete, submit the changes back to Datarails using the "Submit" button in the Flex add-in.

From the budget module, workflow and task management

1. Locate the file you wish to open.
2. Use the small "pencil" icon on the left side in the budget files page, or find the "edit online" option in the triple dots menu. 
3. Log in using your Microsoft credentials or the credentials provided by Datarails.
4. Start editing your file directly in Excel for Web. Once your edits are complete, submit the changes back to Datarails using the "Submit" button in the Flex add-in.

Accessing Excel for Web Based on Microsoft Account Provider

When opening files from Datarails in Excel for Web, you’ll be redirected to Microsoft’s online Excel platform. To access the file, you’ll need to log in using credentials from your Microsoft account provider -this can be either your organization or Datarails, depending on the setup.

Your organization is the Microsoft account provider

If you already have a Microsoft account through your organization, you can access Excel for Web using your existing credentials - no additional setup is required.

Datarails is the Microsoft account provider

If you don’t have an existing Microsoft account, Datarails will create one for you. The file will be shared with this account, and you’ll receive login credentials from your CSM. 

• • The username is displayed in the dialog box before being redirected to Excel.
    

• • When you first log in to Excel for Web, you’ll be prompted to change your temporary password.
    Important: Be sure to save your new password in a secure place.

• 
• Next, you’ll be asked to set up a password recovery method using either the Microsoft Authenticator app or a recovery email. Completing this step will allow you to reset your password on your own if you ever forget it:
  

Datarails Flex Add-in

The Datarails Flex Add-in is required when working with Excel for Web. It enables you to seamlessly submit files back to Datarails and ensures you’re always working with the most up-to-date data. 

How to Install the Flex Add-in

1. Open the relevant file in Excel for Web.

2. Go to the "Home" tab on the Excel ribbon.

   • If you see the Datarails icon on the right side of the ribbon, the add-in is already installed.

   • If not, follow these steps:

     • Click Home > Add-ins, and look for Datarails Flex.  > More Add-ins.

     • If you can't find it, go to "More Add-ins" and look for "Datarails Felx" again. 

     • Click Add to install the add-in.

     
     
     
   • Once installed, the Flex Add-in will appear in your Excel toolbar.

Refresh Your Data

• The Flex Add-in ensures that you’re always working with the latest version of your data.
• Use the "Refresh" option in the add-in to pull the most up-to-date information from Datarails into your Excel file.
  

Submit Files to Datarails

• Open the relevant file in Excel.
• Make sure you are logged in. 
• Make your edits as needed.
• Use the "Submit" button in the Flex Add-in to save your changes directly to Datarails.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Ensure the "Excel Online" feature is activated for your account by confirming with your CSM.
• Request your Microsoft admin to deploy the Datarails Flex Add-in to all relevant users in your organization.  
• If your Microsoft Excel account is provided by Datarails, ensure that you save your password securely after your first login.

For further questions, please contact the Datarails support team or your CSM for assistance.

Note:

File types such as .csv and .xlsb are not supported by Microsoft Excel for Web and cannot be edited online. Supported file types include: .xlt, .xlm, .xla, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xltx, .xltm, and .xlam.

Updated March 25, 2025 14:28