---
sourceDocument: Australia Workflow Data Fabric
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/integrate-applications

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Workflow Data Fabric

ft:clusterId :

    - crint

bundleId :

    - crint

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Use the ReadFromExcel component

# Use the ReadFromExcel component {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Extract data from a Microsoft Excel file as a DataTable by using the ReadFromExcel component in RPA Desktop Design Studio.

## Before you begin

To use the ReadFromExcel component, install [Microsoft Access Database Engine](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54920).

Role required: none

## About this task

You can configure the properties for the ReadFromExcel component. For more
information about these properties, see [Properties of the Data Reader components](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/rmr4bEJYOxUWZQXW__lEMw "Learn about the properties of the Data Reader components in RPA Desktop Design Studio.").

Real-world scenario: Importing employee records
:   An HR department maintains employee details in an Excel file. The ReadFromExcel component extracts this data into a DataTable, which is then used to update an HR management system.

## Procedure

1. In the Toolbox pane, navigate to UtilitiesData Reader.
2. Drag the ReadFromExcel component to the Design surface.
3. To configure the input fields, see [Configure port properties](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/o6fErdzBCUqYUWlLG1ZZzQ "Configure how data is passed to the input fields of a component or method in RPA Desktop Design Studio.").
4. Connect the data and control ports of the ReadFromExcel component to the corresponding ports of the other components as described in the following table.  
   {#use-datareader-readfromexcel__table_jnw_jn1_krb__entry__4}

   | Parameter | Description | Data Port type | Data type |
   |-|-|-|-|
   | Filepath | Path to the Excel file that you can pass from the previously executed component. | Data In | String |
   | Sheetname | Name of the sheet in the Excel file that you can pass from a previously executed component. | Data In | String |
   | IsFirstRowHeader | Specifies true or false value that indicates the first row of the Excel sheet is a header or not. | Data In | Boolean |
   | Count | Returns the total number of rows containing data. | Data Out | Integer |
   | Data | Returns the extracted data from the Excel file in a DataTable. | Data Out | DataTable |
   [ ]

   {#use-datareader-readfromexcel__table_jnw_jn1_krb}
5. To preview the data, right-click the Return field and click Preview Data.
6. **Optional:** To test the component, under the DESIGN tab, click Run.

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