Microsoft has introduced a handy new feature for Android users called “Insert Data from Picture” in Excel, designed to quickly convert data tables from paper documents into editable spreadsheets. This innovative tool allows users to take a photo of a table, and the Android Excel app will automatically transform the image into an editable Excel spreadsheet, as reported by CNET.
The application works by sending the captured image to Excel’s online image recognition engine for processing and conversion into a table. Importantly, Excel provides a preview screen where users can review and correct the data before finalizing the conversion into a table. Microsoft has also announced that “Insert Data from Picture” will soon be available for Excel on iOS devices. The Android version of Excel is part of Microsoft’s Office suite for mobile devices, which includes Word and PowerPoint. While the free version of these mobile productivity apps offers basic editing capabilities, a Microsoft Office subscription unlocks more advanced features, such as collaboration tools.
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This feature streamlines the process of how to import scanned data into Excel, eliminating the tedious manual data entry. Let’s explore how to use this feature to convert images of data into Microsoft Excel files.
Converting Photo Data to Microsoft Excel Files
Converting Photo Data to Microsoft Excel Files. Photo: Unsplash.
Here are the steps to follow to insert scanned data into excel using this feature:
Step 1: Start a New Excel File on Your Android Device
Open the Excel app on your Android phone and tap the “New” button typically located at the top of the app interface. This will allow you to create a new file. You can choose to start with a blank workbook or select from one of the pre-designed templates available to suit your needs.
Step 2: Access “Data from Picture” Feature
At the bottom of the app screen, find and tap the “Data from Picture” button. This button is represented by a camera icon overlaid on a 3×3 grid, making it easily recognizable. If this is your first time using this feature, you will be prompted to grant Excel permission to use Microsoft’s online service for converting images to data. Tap “Allow” to proceed and enable the feature.
Step 3: Capture the Data Table
Carefully position the red frame that appears on your screen around the data table you wish to capture. Once the table is properly framed, tap the “Capture” button. It’s important to note that the application can be sensitive to how data is presented. You might need to attempt capturing the data a few times to ensure optimal recognition. Experiment with lighting and angles for the best results when you input scan results to excel.
Step 4: Confirm or Retake the Image
After capturing the image, if you are satisfied with the captured data, tap the red checkmark button to initiate the data conversion. If the captured data is not satisfactory, and you need to recapture the table, tap the “X” button. This will allow you to restart the capture process and try again to insert scan to excel more effectively.
Step 5: Review and Edit the Previewed Data
In the data preview, any cells highlighted in red indicate areas where the system is uncertain about the data interpretation or where data might be missing. Tap on a red-colored cell and then tap “Edit” to manually enter or correct any information. After making each correction, tap “Done”. You can also tap on any non-colored cell to review and modify the data as needed before you import scan to excel.
Step 6: Insert the Data into Your Excel File
Once you have reviewed and are satisfied with the accuracy of the previewed data, tap “Insert” located at the top of the screen. This action will embed the converted data directly into your Excel file. The feature is designed to recognize both numerical and textual data, including lists and even recipe ingredients. However, it may encounter some challenges with certain handwriting styles.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to import scanned data into Excel using the “Data from Picture” feature.
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