=TOPIC4 subtopics in this path
Import, Export & External Data
CSV files, text imports, web data, workbook links, external connections, exports, file types, and refreshable data flows.
=SUBTOPICSWhat to learn inside Import, Export & External Data
Each item pairs the learning structure with curated public YouTube resources where available, so learners can move from outline to video practice quickly.
01Beginner
CSV and text imports
Bring in delimited files while keeping dates, codes, leading zeros, and columns intact.
QUICK NOTES- Use Data > Get Data > From Text/CSV instead of double-clicking the file -- the import wizard lets you set column data types before Excel guesses wrong.
- Force ID numbers, zip codes, and account codes to Text type during import so leading zeros aren't silently dropped.
- Check the delimiter and encoding (UTF-8 vs. ANSI) if special characters or misaligned columns show up after import.
02Intermediate
External workbook links
Understand linked workbooks, source changes, broken links, and refresh behavior.
QUICK NOTES- Data > Edit Links shows every external workbook a file references, and lets you update, change source, or break the link.
- A linked cell without direct access to the source shows a stale cached value or #REF! -- check Edit Links first when a number looks wrong.
- Prefer Power Query connections over raw ='[Book.xlsx]Sheet1'!A1 links for anything that needs to refresh reliably.
03Intermediate
Web and online data
Import tables from web pages and online sources when the data needs repeat updates.
QUICK NOTES- Data > Get Data > From Web pulls a table from a page URL into Power Query, where it can be shaped before loading.
- Not every web table imports cleanly -- some sites render tables via JavaScript that Excel's importer can't see; check the preview before loading.
- Set the query to refresh on file open (Query Properties) if the source page updates regularly.
04Beginner
Export formats
Save sheets as CSV, PDF, TXT, and workbook formats without losing required structure.
QUICK NOTES- File > Save As > CSV strips all formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets down to values on one sheet -- export a values-only copy if that's what a recipient needs.
- File > Export > Create PDF is the reliable way to share a fixed layout; set the print area first so the PDF isn't cut off mid-table.
- Keep the original .xlsx as the source of truth and treat CSV/PDF exports as one-way, disposable copies.
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