Skill detail
excel-automation
Direct Excel automation, formulas, pivots, reporting, and live workbook control.
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SKILL.md
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# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
# CLAUDE OFFICE SKILL - Enhanced Metadata v2.0
# ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
# Basic Information
name: excel-automation
description: ">"
version: "1.0"
author: claude-office-skills
license: MIT
# Categorization
category: spreadsheet
tags:
- excel
- automation
- macro
- workflow
department: All
# AI Model Compatibility
models:
recommended:
- claude-sonnet-4
- claude-opus-4
compatible:
- claude-3-5-sonnet
- gpt-4
- gpt-4o
# MCP Tools Integration
mcp:
server: office-mcp
tools:
- read_xlsx
- create_xlsx
- apply_formula
- pivot_table
# Skill Capabilities
capabilities:
- automation
- data_processing
- reporting
# Language Support
languages:
- en
- zh
---
# Excel Automation Skill
## Overview
This skill enables advanced Excel automation using **xlwings** - a library that can interact with live Excel instances. Unlike openpyxl (file-only), xlwings can control Excel in real-time, execute VBA, update dashboards, and automate complex workflows.
## How to Use
1. Describe the Excel automation task you need
2. Specify if you need live Excel interaction or file processing
3. I'll generate xlwings code and execute it
**Example prompts:**
- "Update this live Excel dashboard with new data"
- "Run this VBA macro and get the results"
- "Create an Excel add-in for data validation"
- "Automate monthly report generation with live charts"
## Domain Knowledge
### xlwings vs openpyxl
| Feature | xlwings | openpyxl |
|---------|---------|----------|
| Requires Excel | Yes | No |
| Live interaction | Yes | No |
| VBA execution | Yes | No |
| Speed (large files) | Fast | Slow |
| Server deployment | Limited | Easy |
### xlwings Fundamentals
```python
import xlwings as xw
# Connect to active Excel workbook
wb = xw.Book.caller() # From Excel add-in
wb = xw.books.active # Active workbook
# Open specific file
wb = xw.Book('path/to/file.xlsx')
# Create new workbook
wb = xw.Book()
# Get sheet
sheet = wb.sheets['Sheet1']
sheet = wb.sheets[0]
```
### Working with Ranges
#### Reading and Writing
```python
# Single cell
sheet['A1'].value = 'Hello'
value = sheet['A1'].value
# Range
sheet['A1:C3'].value = [[1, 2, 3], [4, 5, 6], [7, 8, 9]]
data = sheet['A1:C3'].value # Returns list of lists
# Named range
sheet['MyRange'].value = 'Named data'
# Expand range (detect data boundaries)
sheet['A1'].expand().value # All connected data
sheet['A1'].expand('table').value # Table format
```
#### Dynamic Ranges
```python
# Current region (like Ctrl+Shift+End)
data = sheet['A1'].current_region.value
# Used range
used = sheet.used_range.value
# Last row with data
last_row = sheet['A1'].end('down').row
# Resize range
rng = sheet['A1'].resize(10, 5) # 10 rows, 5 columns
```
### Formatting
```python
# Font
sheet['A1'].font.bold = True
sheet['A1'].font.size = 14
sheet['A1'].font.color = (255, 0, 0) # RGB red
# Fill
sheet['A1'].color = (255, 255, 0) # Yellow background
# Number format
sheet['B1'].number_format = '$#,##0.00'
# Column width
sheet['A:A'].column_width = 20
# Row height
sheet['1:1'].row_height = 30
# Autofit
sheet['A:D'].autofit()
```
### Excel Features
#### Charts
```python
# Add chart
chart = sheet.charts.add(left=100, top=100, width=400, height=250)
chart.set_source_data(sheet['A1:B10'])
chart.chart_type = 'column_clustered'
chart.name = 'Sales Chart'
# Modify existing chart
chart = sheet.charts['Sales Chart']
chart.chart_type = 'line'
```
#### Tables
```python
# Create Excel Table
rng = sheet['A1'].expand()
table = sheet.tables.add(source=rng, name='SalesTable')
# Refresh table
table.refresh()
# Access table data
table_data = table.data_body_range.value
```
#### Pictures
```python
# Add picture
sheet.pictures.add('logo.png', left=10, top=10, width=100, height=50)
# Update picture from matplotlib
import matplotlib.pyplot as Read the full source on GitHub (opens external page)