How do I Use an Excel File as a Data Source?

How do I Use an Excel File as a Data Source?

Livesignage also allows you to use Excel files as a data source for your slides. This is a useful solution if you prefer working locally instead of with online documents.

1. Go to the Sources section



Access the Sources menu from the dashboard and click Add source.

2. Select Microsoft Excel

In the sources window, choose Microsoft Excel. You can upload files in .XLS, .XLSX, or .ODS format.

3. Upload the Excel file from your computer

  • Enter a name for the source
  • Drag the Excel file or click “Upload your file” to select it
  • If you want Livesignage to use the first row of the file to name the fields (e.g., “price”, “image”), enable the dedicated option


Notes

Unlike Google Sheets, Excel files are not connected online: every time you modify the data in the file, you will need to re-upload it to update the content on the display.

Use the source in a slide


Once the file is uploaded, you can use it like any other source:
  1. Create or edit a slide
  2. Select the “Source” type
  3. Choose the uploaded Excel file
  4. Set the start and end rows to display
  5. Save

“Hide when offline” allows you to hide the slide if the display loses connection. This helps prevent showing outdated or incorrect data while you're updating the file.

The system will use the data from the selected cells to populate the template fields (such as text, images, prices, etc.).

When this mode is enabled, each field in the template will show an additional button called “automatic”. Clicking it lets you map that field to a specific column in your file.

Keep in mind that:

  • Each column in the file corresponds to a template field (e.g., title, description, image…)
  • Each row represents a slide

For example, if you choose to use the first 6 rows of the sheet, Livesignage will automatically generate 6 slides—one for each row.

Use Excel if:
  • You want to manage data offline
  • You don’t need frequent updates
  • You prefer working with local files rather than online documents

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