Use the ReadFromExcel component

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 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.

    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.

    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 Utilities > Data Reader.
    2. Drag the ReadFromExcel component to the Design surface.
    3. To configure the input fields, see Configure port properties.
    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.
      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
    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.