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Can Excel for the Web Embed Files from SharePoint?
Question details
The user wants to know how to embed files into an Excel workbook from SharePoint, as the 'Object' feature appears to be missing in the web browser.
- Product
- Excel for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing an Excel workbook stored in SharePoint or Microsoft 365 through a web browser.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Object' option is unavailable in the Insert menu, preventing the user from inserting or managing embedded objects.
Ensure that you have the desktop version of Microsoft Excel installed on your computer, as you will need to switch from the web browser to the desktop application to use this feature.
Use the Excel Desktop Application to Embed Objects
Since Excel for the Web does not support embedding objects, you must open the workbook in the full desktop version of Excel to insert your files.
The ability to insert, view, and work with embedded objects is currently limited to the desktop version of Excel. Excel for the Web does not support this feature, which is why the 'Object' button is completely unavailable when editing in a browser.
While viewing your workbook in Excel for the Web, look at the top ribbon and click on the 'Editing' or 'Viewing' dropdown, then select 'Open in Desktop App'.
Once the workbook has opened in your Excel desktop application, click on the 'Insert' tab located in the top ribbon.
Go to the 'Text' group on the right side of the ribbon and click on 'Object'.
In the Object dialog box, choose 'Create from File', browse for the file you want to embed from your SharePoint synced folder or local drive, and click 'OK'.
Enjoy Full Desktop Spreadsheet Features for Free with WPS Office
If you are frustrated by the feature limitations of web-based spreadsheets, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, full-featured desktop spreadsheet application that supports advanced object embedding and data analysis without the need for expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your PC or Mac.
- 2. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your .xlsx file directly from your local drive or synced cloud folder.
- 3. Insert Objects Easily: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab and use the fully functional 'Object' tool to embed any supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will embedded objects added in the desktop app show up in Excel for the Web?
No, Excel for the Web cannot display embedded objects. Even if you successfully embed a file using the desktop application, the object will remain hidden or display a placeholder error when the workbook is opened in a web browser.
Can I link to a SharePoint file instead of embedding it in Excel for the Web?
Yes, a great workaround for web users is to use hyperlinks. Select the cell where you want the link, go to Insert > Link, and paste the SharePoint URL of the document. This method is fully supported in Excel for the Web.
Why is the Object button grayed out even in the Excel desktop app?
If the Object button is unavailable in the desktop version, you might be actively editing inside a cell (indicated by a blinking cursor) or the worksheet might be protected. Click a different cell or go to the Review tab to Unprotect Sheet.
