JSON to Excel Add-in - Seamless Integration Within Excel

Welcome to part 3 of our JSON to Excel series! So far, we've covered the introduction to JSON to Excel and the Web App. Today, we're exploring the Excel Add-in - the perfect solution for users who spend their days working in Excel and want to convert JSON data without leaving their familiar environment.

Why Use the Excel Add-in?

The JSON to Excel Excel Add-in is designed for power users who live in Excel. Here's why it might be the perfect choice for you:

• Seamless Integration: Works directly within Excel - no switching between applications
• One-Click Conversion: Convert JSON with a single button click
• Automatic Sheet Creation: Results appear as new sheets in your workbook
• Familiar Interface: No learning curve if you already know Excel
• Works Everywhere: Compatible with Excel 2013+, Excel Online, and Office 365

Documentation: https://json-to-excel.wtsolutions.cn/

System Requirements

Before installing, ensure your system meets these requirements:

• Excel 2013 Service Pack 1 or later
• Excel 2016 for Mac
• Excel 2016 or later
• Excel Online
• Office 365

Installing the Excel Add-in

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Open Excel: Launch Excel 2013, 2016, or Excel Online
2. Navigate to Add-ins: Go to either the Home tab or Insert tab
3. Search for Add-ins: Click on "Add-ins" and search for "JSON to Excel"
4. Install: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the add-in
5. Locate the Button: You'll see a "Convert" button with the JSON to Excel logo in your Home tab

That's it! The add-in is now ready to use.

Video Guide

For visual learners, check out this installation guide:

Watch the installation video

Using the Excel Add-in

Basic Workflow

Once installed, using the add-in is straightforward:

1. Open the Add-in: Go to Home tab > JSON to Excel > Convert
2. Prepare Your Data: Choose how to load your JSON:
   • Copy and paste JSON data into the text area
   • Click "Load JSON File(s)" to select files from your computer (up to 20 files with Pro)
3. Configure Settings: Set your conversion preferences:
   • Conversion Mode (Flat or Nested)
   • Nested Delimiter (Pro feature)
   • Max Depth (Pro feature)
4. Convert: Click the "Go" button
5. View Results: Your converted data appears as a new sheet in your workbook

Video Tutorial

Watch this step-by-step usage guide:

Watch the usage video

Advanced Features

Batch Processing (Pro Feature)

One of the most powerful features of the Excel Add-in is batch processing. Instead of converting files one at a time, you can:

1. Click "Load JSON File(s)"
2. Select multiple JSON files (up to 20)
3. Convert all files at once
4. Each file becomes a separate sheet in your workbook

This is perfect when you have:

• Daily reports in JSON format
• Multiple API responses to process
• Historical data stored as JSON files

Custom Conversion Settings

The Excel Add-in supports the same powerful conversion options as the Web App:

Conversion Mode

• Flat JSON Mode: For simple, non-nested structures
• Nested JSON Mode: For complex, hierarchical data

Nested Delimiter (Pro)

Choose how nested properties are named:

• Dot (.) - Default: user.name
• Underscore (_): user_name
• Double Underscore (): `username`
• Forward Slash (/): user/name

Max Depth (Pro)

Control how deep nested objects are processed:

• Unlimited (default)
• 1-20 levels

Practical Use Cases

Use Case 1: API Response Analysis

You're working with an API that returns JSON data about sales:

[
  {
    "id": 1,
    "product": "Widget A",
    "sales": 150,
    "region": "North"
  },
  {
    "id": 2,
    "product": "Widget B",
    "sales": 200,
    "region": "South"
  }
]

Steps:

1. Copy the JSON response
2. Open the Excel Add-in
3. Paste the JSON
4. Select Flat JSON Mode
5. Click "Go"
6. Analyze the data using Excel's built-in tools

Use Case 2: Nested Customer Data

You have customer data with nested contact information:

[
  {
    "customerId": "C001",
    "name": "John Doe",
    "contact": {
      "email": "[e-mail]",
      "phone": "555-1234",
      "address": {
        "street": "123 Main St",
        "city": "New York",
        "zip": "10001"
      }
    }
  }
]

Steps:

1. Copy the JSON
2. Open the Excel Add-in
3. Select Nested JSON Mode
4. Choose dot delimiter
5. Set Max Depth to 3
6. Click "Go"
7. Get columns like: customerId, name, contact.email, contact.phone, contact.address.street, contact.address.city, contact.address.zip

Use Case 3: Daily Report Processing

You receive daily sales reports as JSON files. Instead of opening each file separately:

1. Collect all JSON files in a folder
2. Open the Excel Add-in
3. Click "Load JSON File(s)"
4. Select all files (up to 20)
5. Click "Go"
6. Review the conversion report
7. Analyze all data in one workbook

Tips for Excel Add-in Users

Organize Your Workbook

• Create a dedicated workbook for JSON conversions
• Use descriptive sheet names after conversion
• Keep original JSON data in a separate sheet for reference

Combine with Excel Features

• Use Excel's Pivot Tables to analyze converted JSON data
• Apply conditional formatting to highlight key metrics
• Use formulas to calculate derived fields
• Create charts and graphs from your JSON data

Keyboard Shortcuts

After installation, you can access the add-in quickly:

• Add the "Convert" button to your Quick Access Toolbar
• Create custom keyboard shortcuts for frequently used actions

Limitations

Keep these limitations in mind:

• Maximum 1000 objects (rows) per conversion
• Maximum 100 unique properties (columns) per dataset
• Arrays in values are converted to strings
• Maximum 20 files per batch conversion (Pro feature)

Troubleshooting

Add-in Not Appearing

• Ensure you're using a supported Excel version
• Check that the add-in is enabled in File > Options > Add-ins
• Try restarting Excel

Conversion Errors

• Verify your JSON is valid using the preview
• Check that you're not exceeding the row/column limits
• Ensure nested structures are properly formatted

Performance Issues

• Large files may take longer to process
• Consider breaking very large JSON files into smaller chunks
• Close other Excel workbooks to free up memory

When to Use the Excel Add-in vs Web App

Choose the Excel Add-in when:

• You work primarily in Excel
• You need to analyze data immediately after conversion
• You want to integrate JSON conversion into your Excel workflows
• You prefer a desktop application experience

Choose the Web App when:

• You need to convert files quickly without installation
• You're working on a device without Excel
• You want to share the conversion process with others
• You only need occasional conversions

Next Steps

Now that you're comfortable with the Excel Add-in, you might be interested in exploring other integration options. In our next post, we'll cover the WPS Add-in for users who prefer WPS Office over Microsoft Excel.

Ready to install the Excel Add-in? Open Excel and search for "JSON to Excel" in the Add-ins store today!