SharePoint Document Issues

SharePoint Alternatives to Quick Parts for Excel and PowerPoint

Muhammad Talha Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to find a way to add SharePoint metadata and dynamic content to Excel, PowerPoint, and EML templates because Word Quick Parts is not supported for these formats.

SharePoint Alternatives to Quick Parts for Excel and PowerPoint

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating dynamic document templates in SharePoint using Excel, PowerPoint, or EML files.
Observed behavior: Word Quick Parts is unavailable for Excel, PowerPoint, and EML files in SharePoint, requiring alternative methods to insert dynamic metadata.

Before you start

Ensure you have site owner or edit permissions to create custom library columns in your SharePoint site, and access to Microsoft Power Automate for setting up workflows.

Solution 1Recommended

Use SharePoint Metadata and Custom Library Columns

Store dynamic values directly in your SharePoint document library to track metadata for your Excel and PowerPoint files without altering the file contents directly.

Since Quick Parts cannot embed SharePoint properties directly into Excel or PowerPoint files, utilizing custom columns is the standard way to tag and manage dynamic information at the library level.

Navigate to Your Document Library

Open your SharePoint site in a web browser and go to the Document Library where your Excel or PowerPoint templates are stored.

Create a Custom Column

Click the 'Add column' button at the top of the file list and choose the appropriate data type, such as Text, Choice, or Number.

Enter the Metadata

Select an uploaded Excel or PowerPoint file, open the details pane on the right side, and input the dynamic values into the newly created column fields.

Use SharePoint Metadata and Custom Library Columns

Data Visibility: This method makes the dynamic data visible in SharePoint, but it will not automatically display the text inside the slides or spreadsheets themselves.

Solution 2

Automate Dynamic Content Insertion with Power Automate

Use Power Automate workflows to automatically populate specific fields in Excel spreadsheets or PowerPoint presentations based on triggers.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Document and Template Management

If navigating SharePoint workarounds and Power Automate flows is too complex, streamline your everyday template creation with WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for all your spreadsheet and presentation needs.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process in just a few minutes.
3. Open and Edit Templates: Launch WPS Office, open your existing .xlsx or .pptx files, and easily edit them using the intuitive tools.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Includes a massive library of free, ready-to-use spreadsheet and presentation templates.Lightweight design ensures smooth performance on almost any device.Familiar user interface makes transitioning from other office suites completely seamless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Word Quick Parts in Excel or PowerPoint?

No, Quick Parts is a feature exclusively designed for Microsoft Word. Excel and PowerPoint do not support it, which is why users must rely on SharePoint custom columns, linked properties, or Power Automate workflows.

How do I show SharePoint metadata inside an Excel file?

You can link document properties to specific cells in Excel. Go to 'File', select 'Info', choose 'Properties', and click 'Advanced Properties'. From there, you can map specific custom properties to named ranges or cells within your workbook.

Are there native Power Automate actions for populating PowerPoint templates?

Power Automate has very limited native actions for modifying PowerPoint files. Typically, users must rely on premium third-party connectors (like Plumsail Documents) to inject SharePoint metadata directly into PowerPoint placeholders.

Document & File Issues