Data Import & Export

How to Create a New Excel Workbook from Another Workbook

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to transfer, link, or import data from an existing Excel workbook into a newly created workbook.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Transferring data between workbooks for reporting, splitting data, or creating dependent live dashboards.
Observed behavior: The user needs reliable methods to establish a one-time data transfer, a live reference, or a repeatable import for workbook data.

Before you start

Ensure the original source workbook is saved in a stable, permanent folder location, as moving or renaming the file later can break external data links.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Cell Formulas to Create Live Workbook Links

Ideal if you need the new workbook to update automatically whenever data in the original workbook changes.

By linking cells across workbooks, Excel creates an external reference. Whenever the source data is modified, the new workbook reflects those changes in real-time.

Open both workbooks

Launch Excel and open both your existing source workbook and your newly created blank workbook.

Initiate the formula

In the new workbook, click on the cell where you want the data to appear and type an equals sign (=).

Select the source data

Switch your view to the original source workbook, click on the specific cell or range you want to link, and press Enter. The new workbook will now pull data directly from the source.

Link Stability: Workbook links depend on exact file paths. Avoid moving the source file to a different folder after creating these links.

Solution 2

Copy and Paste Data for a One-Time Transfer

Best for quick, static data transfers where you do not need live updates from the original file.

Solution 3

Import Data Using Power Query

Use Power Query for repeatable, large-scale data imports and transformations from another workbook.

Seamless Data Transfer

Create and Link Spreadsheets Easily with WPS Office

WPS Office Spreadsheet allows you to seamlessly copy data, create live cross-workbook references, and manage multiple datasets in a unified, tabbed workspace.

1. Create a new workbook: Open WPS Spreadsheet and click the '+' icon to create a new blank workbook.
2. Open the source file: Open your existing source workbook in a new tab within the same WPS Spreadsheet window for easy navigation.
3. Create an external link: In the new workbook, type '=' in your target cell, switch to the source workbook tab, click the desired data cell, and press Enter to establish a live connection.

Free, lightweight, and fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsEasily manage multiple workbooks simultaneously with a convenient tabbed interfaceReliable external link support for live cross-workbook data updates

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy an entire worksheet to a new workbook instead of copying specific cells?

Yes. Right-click the sheet tab at the bottom of your original workbook, select 'Move or Copy', choose '(new book)' in the 'To book' dropdown, check the 'Create a copy' box, and click OK.

Why do I get a warning about broken external links?

This happens if the original source workbook has been deleted, renamed, or moved to a different folder. The new workbook relies on the exact file path to pull the data. You can fix this by going to Data > Edit Links and updating the source path.

How can I remove live links but keep the data values in my new workbook?

Select the cells containing the linked formulas, press Ctrl+C to copy them, right-click, and select 'Paste as Values' (the clipboard icon with a 123). This replaces the external formulas with static text.

How do I update linked data if the original workbook is currently closed?

When you open the new workbook, you will usually see a prompt asking to 'Update Links' or 'Enable Content'. Clicking 'Update' will command the software to fetch the latest saved data from the closed source file.

Excel & Data Problems