Excel® 2013 On Demand

Connecting to External Data

If you need to permanently exchange data, creating a connection to the data source is the best solution. A data source is a stored set of information that allows Excel to connect to an external database. A cell range, table, PivotTable report, or PivotChart report in Excel can be connected to an external data source. You can use Excel to create and edit connections to external data sources. When you create a connection, Excel stores the connection in the workbook or a connection file, such as Office Data Connection (ODC) file or a Universal Data Connection (UDC) file. A connection file is useful for sharing connections with other users. When you use a connection file, Excel copies the connection information into your ...