Microsoft has released a tool in its Excel app that allows Android users to take pictures of a spreadsheet and automatically import the info into Excel, according to CNBC.
The tool, released March 1 and available soon for iPhone users, eliminates the need to re-enter cumbersome data but does have its flaws, according to CNBC reporter Christina Farr who tested it. The tool fell short when users took pictures of large spreadsheets, leaving hundreds of errors to be manually corrected. When Ms. Farr and others took pictures of smaller spreadsheets, the data was entered more accurately. Experts expect these bugs to be worked out eventually.
Here are six steps to use the app:
- Through your Android, create a new spreadsheet or opening an existing one.
- Clicking on any cell in the spreadsheet and different icons will pop up in the bottom row of the screen. A new icon will show a blue camera; click that one.
- Through the camera viewfinders, users can take a photo of a printed spreadsheet. Users can also upload existing pictures.
- Users will be guided to a screen that previews the digital data.
- Excel will then guide users to correct any errors. The errors will be in red, and users will have to manually re-enter the correct data.