Import Data from Excel

This guide will walk you through the process of importing data from Excel files directly into your AI Grid Agent, allowing you to quickly populate your grid with existing datasets and streamline your workflow setup.

The Excel import feature allows you to upload .xls and .xlsx files to automatically create input columns and populate your grid with data. This is particularly useful when you have existing datasets, lists, or structured information that you want to analyze with your AI Grid Agent.

Accessing the Import Feature

Navigate to your AI Grid Agent - Open the agent where you want to import data
Click the "+ Add Data" button - Located in the top-right area of the agent interface
Select "Import from XLS" - From the dropdown menu that appears, choose this option

This will open the Import Data from Excel modal where you can upload your file.

File Structure Requirements

Column Headers

The first row of your Excel file serves as the foundation for your grid structure:

Each cell in the first row becomes a column title in your AI Grid Agent
These titles will be used to create input columns automatically
Make sure your first row contains clear, descriptive names for each data category

Data Rows

All subsequent rows contain the actual data:

Each column's data (below the header) becomes input values for that column
All text data in the same Excel column will be imported as separate input entries
Empty cells are typically skipped during import

Example Structure

Company Name	Industry	Location
Apple Inc	Technology	Cupertino, US
Tesla	Automotive	Austin, US
Netflix	Media	Los Gatos, US

This would create:

3 input columns: "Company Name", "Industry", "Location"
3 rows of data populated across these columns

Best Practices

Clean Headers

Ensure your first row contains:

Clear, descriptive column names
No special characters that might cause issues
Unique names for each column

Organized Data

Structure your data so that:

Each column contains the same type of information
Data is consistent within each column
Empty rows are minimized

Next Steps

Once your data is imported:

Add analysis columns - Create questions that analyze your imported data
Configure tools - Set up appropriate tools for your analysis needs
Run your agent - Begin automated analysis of your dataset

Importing into an Existing Grid

You can also import Excel data into a grid that already contains columns and rows. Here's what you need to know:

Column Matching

When importing into an existing grid:

Scenario	Result
Column names match	Data is added to the corresponding existing columns
Column names don't match	New columns are created and added after the existing ones

Important

Column matching is case-sensitive. Make sure your Excel headers exactly match your existing column names if you want data to align properly.

Row Behavior

Importing always creates new rows — it does not update or complete existing rows.

Each row in your Excel file becomes a new row in the grid
Existing rows remain unchanged
The imported rows are added at the end of the grid

tip

If you need to update existing rows with new data, you'll need to manually edit the cells or delete the old rows before importing.

Troubleshooting

File Won't Upload

Verify file format is .xls or .xlsx
Check file isn't corrupted or password-protected
Try a smaller file if the original is very large

Missing Data

Ensure your Excel file has data in the first row (headers)
Check for hidden rows or columns that might affect import
Verify data isn't in merged cells

Formatting Issues

Use simple text formats in your Excel file
Avoid complex formulas or references
Keep data types consistent within each column

Next: Running AI Grid Agents →

Accessing the Import Feature​

File Structure Requirements​

Column Headers​

Data Rows​

Example Structure​

Best Practices​

Clean Headers​

Organized Data​

Next Steps​

Importing into an Existing Grid​

Column Matching​

Row Behavior​

Troubleshooting​

File Won't Upload​

Missing Data​

Formatting Issues​