# Excel Writer

The **Excel Writer** is a built‑in **Custom Extension** provided by ONEWEB that allows Microflows and Process Flows to **write data to Excel files**.

Excel Writer complements the Excel Reader extension by enabling applications not only to read Excel data but also to **generate or export data into Excel format**, making it suitable for reporting, data exchange, and batch output scenarios.

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### Purpose of Excel Writer

The Excel Writer extension is designed to:

* Write structured data to Microsoft Excel files
* Generate Excel files as outputs of Microflows or Processes
* Support file‑based data export and reporting use cases
* Integrate backend systems with Excel‑based consumers

Typical use cases include:

* Exporting transaction or report data to Excel
* Generating Excel files for downstream systems
* Producing downloadable Excel reports
* Writing processed batch results into spreadsheets

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### Install Excel Writer Extension

Before using Excel Writer, the extension must be **installed and enabled** for the application.

To install the extension:

* Follow the steps described in **Section 6.4.16 – Custom Extensions**
* Install and enable the **Excel Writer extension** in the application

Once installed, the Excel Writer node appears in the **diagram palette** and can be used like any standard activity node.

<figure><img src="https://2015371994-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMpDjHWFRUtZ5nJcSfVXd%2Fuploads%2FLC8lrJouj1g0ZxsyqsI2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=250f8c8c-d15d-4dcf-bd79-db300bb23d45" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Configuring Excel Writer

After placing the Excel Writer node on the canvas, users can configure how and where data is written.

#### File Destination Configuration

Excel Writer supports writing Excel files to multiple destinations:

* **File System**
* **Network locations**
* **FTP**
* **SFTP**
* **FTPS**

Users can:

* Enter directory and file details directly
* Or retrieve destination details dynamically from a **Business Object** (similar to Excel Reader)

Excel Writer also provides options to **transform data into predefined formats** before writing.

<figure><img src="https://2015371994-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMpDjHWFRUtZ5nJcSfVXd%2Fuploads%2FNJH7IogRUoAfF9UNWsza%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=492ef1aa-337b-4d4a-aec2-358b38074d11" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Writing Data to Excel Sheets

Excel Writer supports writing data:

* To **specific columns**
* Or as **entire rows (records)**

These options are configured per worksheet, giving fine‑grained control over how data appears in Excel.

#### Writing Options

* **Specific Field**
  * Write values to specific columns
* **Records**
  * Write complete rows as records

***

### Writing Multiple Sheets

Excel Writer supports writing **multiple worksheets** within a single Excel file.

* Different data sets can be mapped to different sheets
* Users can control sheet names and data mappings
* All sheets are written as part of a single execution

<figure><img src="https://2015371994-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FMpDjHWFRUtZ5nJcSfVXd%2Fuploads%2Fs0KBntRPVERsVA4dVywb%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c93e916c-b1a1-4d7d-8a0d-f954fb1b98ae" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This makes Excel Writer suitable for complex reporting and batch export scenarios.

***

### Data Mapping

Excel Writer uses **Business Objects** to define:

* Input data to be written
* Field‑to‑column mappings
* Record‑level structures

Mapping is done in the same visual manner as other Microflow activity nodes, ensuring consistency across integration logic.

***

### Best Practices

* Use Excel Writer for **output and reporting**, not transactional updates
* Validate directory and permissions before writing files
* Avoid overwriting critical files unintentionally
* Use environment variables for destination paths when possible
* Combine Excel Writer with **Database**, **Excel Reader**, or **Web Service** nodes for end‑to‑end flows

***

### Summary

The **Excel Writer extension** enables ONEWEB applications to generate and export data into Excel files as part of Microflows or Process Flows.

With Excel Writer, developers can:

* Write structured data to Excel spreadsheets
* Support multi‑sheet Excel generation
* Output data to file systems or remote locations
* Build Excel‑based reporting and integration workflows

Excel Writer is a key component for implementing **file‑based output, reporting, and batch export integrations** in ONEWEB.


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