Spreadsheet File consultants

Q: What file formats does the Spreadsheet File node support?

The node reads and writes CSV (comma-separated values), XLSX (Microsoft Excel), and ODS (OpenDocument Spreadsheet) formats. For CSV files, you can configure the delimiter (comma, semicolon, tab) and whether the first row contains headers. For XLSX files, you can specify which sheet to read from by name or index.

Q: How does the Spreadsheet File node work with other n8n nodes?

The Spreadsheet File node converts spreadsheet data into JSON rows, where each row becomes a separate item in n8n. You can then process those items with any other node: filter rows with the IF node, transform values with the Set node, insert records into a database, or send them to an API. To create a spreadsheet from data, you feed JSON items into the node and it produces the file.

Q: Can I read specific sheets from a multi-sheet Excel file?

Yes. When reading XLSX files, you can specify the sheet name or sheet index (starting from 0) to read from. If you need to read from multiple sheets in the same file, you can use the node multiple times in your workflow, each configured for a different sheet.

Q: How do I handle CSV files with non-standard delimiters?

The Spreadsheet File node lets you configure the delimiter character when reading or writing CSV files. You can set it to comma, semicolon, tab, pipe, or any custom character. This is particularly useful for Australian and European data sources that often use semicolons as delimiters.

Q: What is a typical spreadsheet automation workflow?

A common pattern is: receive a spreadsheet via email or webhook, use the Convert to/from Binary Data node to make it readable, use the Spreadsheet File node to parse it into rows, process each row (validate, enrich, transform), then either insert the data into a database or generate a new spreadsheet with the results. This replaces hours of manual data entry and reformatting.

Q: Can Osher automate our spreadsheet-based processes?

Yes. Spreadsheet automation is one of the most impactful quick wins we deliver for clients. If your team manually imports CSVs, creates Excel reports, or copies data between spreadsheets and other systems, we can build n8n workflows that handle it automatically. See our data processing services for details on how we approach these projects.

We can help you automate your business with Spreadsheet File and hundreds of other systems to improve efficiency and productivity. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss implementing Spreadsheet File.

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About Spreadsheet File

The Spreadsheet File node in n8n reads and writes spreadsheet files in CSV, XLSX (Excel), and ODS (OpenDocument) formats. It converts spreadsheet data into JSON rows that other n8n nodes can process, and converts JSON data back into downloadable spreadsheet files. This is the node you reach for whenever your workflow needs to import data from a spreadsheet or export data as one.

Most businesses still rely heavily on spreadsheets for reporting, data imports, and information sharing. The Spreadsheet File node bridges the gap between those spreadsheet-based processes and your automated workflows. Instead of someone manually opening a CSV, copying rows into another system, and reformatting the output, an n8n workflow can handle the entire process untouched.

At Osher, we use this node in data processing automations regularly. Common builds include: importing client-uploaded CSV files into databases, generating formatted XLSX reports from API data for stakeholders, converting between CSV and Excel formats during system migrations, and processing bulk data updates from spreadsheet uploads. We pair the Spreadsheet File node with the Convert to/from Binary Data node to handle the file transfer portion of these workflows.

If your team spends time manually importing or exporting spreadsheet data between systems, that process can almost certainly be automated. Contact our automation team to discuss replacing manual spreadsheet handling with reliable, repeatable workflows.

Spreadsheet File FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about how Spreadsheet File consultants can help with integration and implementation

What file formats does the Spreadsheet File node support?

How does the Spreadsheet File node work with other n8n nodes?

Can I read specific sheets from a multi-sheet Excel file?

How do I handle CSV files with non-standard delimiters?

What is a typical spreadsheet automation workflow?

Can Osher automate our spreadsheet-based processes?

How it works

We work hand-in-hand with you to implement Spreadsheet File

As Spreadsheet File consultants we work with you hand in hand build more efficient and effective operations. Here’s how we will work with you to automate your business and integrate Spreadsheet File with integrate and automate 800+ tools.

Step 1

Process Audit

We review your current spreadsheet-based processes: which files are imported/exported, what systems send or receive them, what manual transformation happens between import and export, and how often these tasks occur. We document file formats, column structures, and data volumes.

Step 2

Identify Automation Opportunities

We prioritise spreadsheet tasks by automation value. High-volume daily imports, error-prone manual formatting, and time-sensitive report generation rank highest. We assess which tasks can be fully automated versus those that need a human review step before final output.

Step 3

Design Workflows

We design n8n workflows that use the Spreadsheet File node to read input files, process data through validation and transformation steps, and generate output files. Workflow design includes column mapping, data type conversion rules, error handling for malformed rows, and output formatting specifications.

Step 4

Implementation

We build the workflows in n8n, configure the Spreadsheet File node for your specific file formats and structures, connect to your source systems (email, cloud storage, SFTP, webhooks), and set up delivery of output files to their destinations. We include the Convert to/from Binary Data node where needed for file handling.

Step 5

Quality Assurance Review

We test with real spreadsheet files from your systems, including edge cases: empty files, files with extra columns, rows with missing data, mixed data types, and files from different regional settings (date formats, number formats, delimiters). We verify output files open correctly in Excel and Google Sheets.

Step 6

Support and Maintenance

After launch, we monitor workflow execution and file processing success rates. When your data formats change (new columns, different delimiters, updated templates), we adjust the workflow configuration to match.

Transform your business with Spreadsheet File

Unlock hidden efficiencies, reduce errors, and position your business for scalable growth. Contact us to arrange a no-obligation Spreadsheet File consultation.

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