Microsoft adds AI generated reports to Excel workbooks
Microsoft is rolling out Excel Canvas in October, a feature that uses Copilot to automatically generate polished reports from spreadsheet data. The reports include visualisations, metrics, and insights that refresh automatically when the underlying data changes. This aims to save users time by transforming raw workbook data into presentation-ready reports, with users able to refine results through natural language prompts.
To use Excel Canvas, users need access to Copilot in Excel. Microsoft's track record with recent Excel features has been mixed: earlier additions like the Copilot Dynamic Action Button sparked user backlash and had to be relocated, whilst the COPILOT() function was abandoned after just 12 months. The new feature enters an already crowded market of dashboard and reporting tools, and faces questions about whether Copilot's automation will reliably select appropriate metrics and charts for business use.
- Microsoft launches Excel Canvas, using Copilot to auto-generate reports from data
- Reports refresh automatically and can be tweaked via natural language commands
- Feature faces accuracy questions and competes with established dashboard tools
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Excel is the dominant spreadsheet software used by millions of businesses and individuals to store, organise and analyse data. Creating polished reports from raw spreadsheet data is a time-consuming task that typically involves manually selecting which numbers to highlight, building charts and writing explanatory text. Automating this process with artificial intelligence is an appealing prospect for busy professionals.
Copilot is Microsoft's artificial intelligence assistant that can understand natural language instructions and perform tasks automatically. The company has been integrating Copilot into its Office suite of programmes, though recent attempts have had mixed results—some features proved unpopular and were redesigned, whilst another AI function was discontinued after just one year. This track record adds uncertainty about how well new AI features will be received.
The broader context matters because many other software companies already offer automated dashboarding and reporting tools. The core challenge is whether Copilot can reliably determine which metrics and visualisations are appropriate for business use. Success could deliver powerful productivity gains; failure could frustrate users expecting smarter automation.
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Originally published by The Register as “Excel Canvas offers to turn your workbook into the boss’s next report”.