Microsoft enhances Excel with text analysis and Forms integration

Efe Udin

December 27, 2024

Microsoft has introduced exciting updates to Excel, focusing on advanced text analysis and the seamless integration of Microsoft Forms. These updates aim to make Excel even more versatile and user-friendly. While many features are available, some are still in beta testing or limited to specific regions.

Advanced text analysis with Python integration

A key upgrade is the better text analysis tools, aided by Microsoft Copilot. These tools let users make clear text summaries, find themes, and check the mood of text. Copilot also gives smarter searches and tips by spotting key topics in content. The tools now offer top-notch sorting and let users check results with source data, adding more trust and accuracy to the process.

Microsoft has further expanded its Python integration in Excel, first introduced in 2023, by granting access to the NLTK library. This allows users to create word clouds, visualize word frequency patterns, and conduct more sophisticated text analyses. However, this pilot phase is currently limited to Excel for Windows users in the United States, leaving other regions, including Germany, waiting for access.

Join GizChina on Telegram

New Regex functions for precision

For users who prefer traditional methods, Microsoft has added three new Regex functions to Excel. These functions simplify text pattern manipulation:

REGEXTEST checks text for specific patterns.
REGEXEXTRACT extracts text strings based on patterns.
REGEXREPLACE replaces text strings with new ones.

These functions enhance text handling precision and provide users with flexible tools for working with data.

Microsoft has also added Forms to Excel. Users can now add Forms straight to sheets via the “Insert” tab, starting with version 2410. This tool works for Windows now, with macOS set to follow soon.

The Forms tool makes gathering and checking data simple, giving users a fast way to get and view info in Excel. To help users worldwide, Excel now has better text tools in many languages. While tools like the new Python link are still locked to some areas, the changes make Excel stronger for work with data and charts. With the Forms tool and text tools now in place, users can enjoy a smoother tool on all platforms.

Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.

Source/VIA :

winfuture