Microsoft Excel mobile can convert photos of data tables to spreadsheets

XDA

[Update: Rolling out] Microsoft Excel for Android can soon convert pictures of data tables into spreadsheets

By Joe Fedewa

Published Mar 2, 2019

Microsoft recently updated the Android app with a feature that should make it easier to get spreadsheets from the real world into Excel.

Update 1 (3/2/19 @ 1:41 PM ET): Microsoft has announced the latest update for Excel for Android adds this feature.

Microsoft Excel is still one of the most popular spreadsheet apps in the world. A lot of people have switched over to Google Sheets, but hardcore formula lovers still prefer Excel. Microsoft is planning to update the Android app with a feature that should make it easier to get spreadsheets from the real world into Excel.

The new feature is simply called "Insert Data from Picture" and that is exactly what it does. Point your camera at a data table in the real world, snap a photo, draw a border around the table, and it will be converted to a digital spreadsheet. It works best with printed tables, but you can also try it with hand-drawn tables. The feature may not be 100% accurate, but it's a great head start. You can go over the sheet to make sure all the data is accurate.

This feature will be available as a preview in the Android app soon. Microsoft did not say when the full-fledged feature will be ready for prime time.