If your daily work involves spreadsheets that start out as plain text or CSV files, Microsoft Excel just made that process noticeably easier. A new update introduces built-in import functions that remove much of the friction traditionally involved in pulling external data into a worksheet.
Instead of walking through the import wizard every time you need to bring in a file, Excel now lets users load data directly into cells using simple formulas. The update adds two new functions, IMPORTTEXT and IMPORTCSV, both designed to make handling structured text files faster and more transparent inside Excel.
These new tools are especially useful for anyone who regularly works with exported data from apps, databases, or reporting tools. Once the file is connected, the data can stay linked to its source and refresh automatically when changes occur.
A closer look at how the new import functions work
The IMPORTTEXT function is built for flexibility. It supports a wide range of text-based formats, including TXT, CSV, and TSV files. Users can define custom delimiters, choose text qualifiers, and adjust encoding settings, which gives more control over how incoming data is interpreted once it lands in Excel.
When the file is imported, the data spills into the worksheet as a dynamic array. This means the content automatically expands or contracts based on the size of the source file, without the need to manually resize ranges or re-import the data.
For simpler scenarios, IMPORTCSV offers a more streamlined experience. It is tailored specifically for standard CSV files and assumes common formatting rules. This makes it ideal for quick imports from widely used software exports where advanced customization is not necessary.
Both functions allow users to reference supported file locations or local paths. Once the formula is in place, Excel can re-pull updated data without forcing users to repeat the entire import process from scratch.
Why this change matters for everyday Excel users
According to Microsoft, the goal behind these new functions is to reduce repetitive manual steps, especially for files that are updated frequently. By keeping the import logic visible inside a formula, it becomes easier to review, audit, or tweak how data is handled over time.
This formula-based approach also makes troubleshooting more straightforward compared to older import methods. Instead of navigating through hidden settings, users can see exactly how the data is being processed directly within the worksheet.
The new import tools are not meant to replace advanced solutions like Power Query. Instead, they serve as a lighter alternative for day-to-day data work, where speed and simplicity matter more than complex transformations. For many users, this fills a gap between basic copy-paste workflows and full-scale data pipelines.
Integration with Copilot and broader Excel improvements
Another advantage of the new import functions is how they fit into Excel’s growing AI ecosystem. Imported data can be used as context for the =COPILOT function, allowing users to ask questions about their datasets and generate insights without leaving the spreadsheet.
This update aligns with Microsoft’s broader effort to make Copilot more useful across Office applications. By simplifying how external data enters Excel, users can spend less time preparing spreadsheets and more time analyzing information.
The new functions are currently rolling out to Microsoft 365 Insider users. They arrive alongside other productivity enhancements aimed at making Excel faster and more intuitive, including workflow shortcuts and quality-of-life improvements that many professionals already rely on.
As Excel continues to evolve, features like IMPORTTEXT and IMPORTCSV highlight a clear focus on reducing friction, improving transparency, and giving users more control over their data without adding unnecessary complexity.
