> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.auxalia.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.auxalia.com/plant-tools/plantlink/how-to-use/link-configurations/use-ms-excel.md).

# Use MS Excel

In this chapter we describe how you use Microsoft Excel as the data source.

When using SQL-Server, MS Access, or MS Excel you have to use a Windows UDL file.

A link with the project created during this chapter is at the end of this chapter.

<details>

<summary>Creating an UDL file</summary>

The difference between the us of MS Access and MS Excel is very small. You use the same **Provider** as for MS Access Databases (see [Use MS Access](/plant-tools/plantlink/how-to-use/link-configurations/use-ms-access.md)).

You also copy the path + file name into **Data Source**, but do not click on **Test Connection** yet. If the Excel file and the UDL file are in the same location, you can just use the file name, but the PlantLink Wizard will handle this anyway.

![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-53991c1f4a618dd849ee1cc5bb826152f8347906%2FPL-LinkConfig-0116.png?alt=media)

Now you click on the **All** tab and double-click in **Extended Properties**.

![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-54b9ea1523c234228bcc9f1506196ec0be2a6d17%2FPL-LinkConfig-0117.png?alt=media)

A dialog will pop up.

![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-262d3dcef80ad4b189dbdc15403704d51f8ecbdb%2FPL-LinkConfig-0118.png?alt=media)

Here you enter the following expression: **Excel 12.0 Xml;HDR=YES** and click **OK**.

![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-77d566fd531012566176cd05c2b46e01db902067%2FPL-LinkConfig-0119.png?alt=media)

You will then see this expression in the **Data Link Properties** dialog.

![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f7e0dade8809ea92bdd758484562d256a27cbac8%2FPL-LinkConfig-0120.png?alt=media)

Now you can click on **Test Connection**.

![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2ffad97f6fb46407c74b26871e9dc31b7ff27a88%2FPL-LinkConfig-0121.png?alt=media)

</details>

<details>

<summary>Editing an UDL file</summary>

When you edit the UDL file you may see, that the **PlantLink Wizard** adapted your **Data Source**.

![](https://2994090777-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FZH2AGHzvPfBW7YdaaGc0%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-86bdf61166d688afaedd9431b670cd06b59afb23%2FPL-LinkConfig-0122.png?alt=media)

</details>

[Download Sample Project](http://documentation.auxalia.com/EN/PL%20Use%20UDL%20files.7z)