Paste spreadsheet rows into a grid

This guide explains how to paste rows from spreadsheet applications such as Excel or Google Sheets into grid forms. It covers both the native import/export feature and a legacy JavaScript approach for advanced use cases.

Native import/export feature

The recommended way to import spreadsheet data into grids is using the built-in import/export functionality:

  1. Enable the feature — In the grid question configuration, check "Enable Import/Export" in the Basics tab
  2. Copy your data — Select and copy cells from Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet application
  3. Paste into the grid — Click in the grid and paste (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V)
  4. Review and confirm — A preview dialog shows your data before importing

The native feature supports:

  • Copy and paste from Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheet applications
  • Import CSV files through the grid menu
  • Drag and drop tables and files
  • Export grid data to CSV format
  • Convert data types automatically (dates, currency, numbers)
  • Confirm before importing to prevent accidental data loss

For complete documentation with screenshots and workflows, refer to the importing and exporting grid data guide.

Legacy JavaScript approach

This section documents the previous JavaScript-based workaround for pasting spreadsheet data. This approach is still available for advanced use cases requiring custom behavior.

Before the native import/export feature was available, importing spreadsheet data required custom JavaScript. This approach is still useful when you need specialized paste behavior or custom data transformations beyond what the native feature provides.

To paste spreadsheet rows into a grid, copy data from a spreadsheet and paste it into the rich text field (drop zone). If the data has the same column layout as the grid, the rows will populate successfully.

Downloadable example

Right-click and save the below files to your desktop. Import the .json file as a new form. Use the Excel file to test cutting and pasting into the drop zone on the form.