How to import printed data table from picture into Excel

You no longer need to manually input a data table printed on a piece of paper. Microsoft is adding a new feature to Excel for Android (and iOS) to allow users to take a photo of a printed table and convert it into useful data.

The new “Insert data from picture” feature uses Microsoft artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and recognize the data without the need of the end-user to manually input the data.

This is a feature part of the set of tools available for Office 365 subscribers.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to quickly import a printed data table into an Excel spreadsheet using your Android phone camera.

How to snap a picture import printed data table into Excel

To import a data table from a piece of paper using the Excel app for Android, use these steps:

1. Open Excel (mobile).

2. Tap the Insert data from picture button at the bottom of the screen. (If you don’t see this button, you can try using the “light bulb” button to find it, but it’s likely that it’s not yet available for you.)

   

3. Square the camera into the data within the red borders.

4. Tap the Capture button.

5. Crop the image as necessary with the picture editing tools.

6. Tab the Done button.

7. Use the editing tool to correct any mistakes. Or tap the Ignore button to import the data table without edition.

   

8. Tap the Insert button.

Once you complete the steps, Excel will process the data and insert it into the spreadsheet where you can continue making changes or input new data.

While this guide focuses on Android, Microsoft is planning to bring the feature to Office 365 subscribers on iOS.