cloud technology
In today’s fast-paced digital world powered by cloud technology, the ability to make quick, data-driven decisions can set successful businesses apart from the competition. One of the most effective ways to analyze and communicate data is through visualizations—especially when working with real-time data streams. With tools like ExcelJS and Excel’s Chart Add-ins, developers and analysts can bring Excel to life, turning it into a dynamic, interactive dashboard.
In this post, we will explore how to use ExcelJS, a powerful JavaScript library, along with Excel’s Chart Add-ins, to visualize real-time data directly in Excel. Whether you are a developer automating workflows or a data enthusiast building dashboards, this guide offers a modern approach to Excel-based reporting.
What is ExcelJS?
ExcelJS is a JavaScript library that lets you read, manipulate, and write Excel files (XLSX format) from Node.js or browser-based applications. It supports a wide range of features, including:
- Creating and editing worksheets
- Adding styles, borders, and cell formats
- Managing tables and rows
- Working with formulas and charts (indirectly)
- Writing Excel files for download or cloud use
While ExcelJS does not directly generate charts, it allows for the creation of structured data that charting tools can use.
Why Combine ExcelJS with Chart Add-ins?
While ExcelJS handles data manipulation, Excel Chart Add-ins handle the visualisation layer. These add-ins allow developers to embed customizable, interactive charts into Excel workbooks. By combining the two, you can automate the flow of real-time data into Excel and instantly reflect it through engaging visuals.
Real-Time Use Case Example: Stock Price Dashboard
Let us walk through a simplified real-time use case: visualizing live stock prices.
Step 1: Set Up ExcelJS in Your Project
First, install ExcelJS in your Node.js or web project:
bash
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npm install exceljs
Then, create a workbook and set up a worksheet with the required headers:
javascript
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const ExcelJS = require(‘exceljs’);
const workbook = new ExcelJS.Workbook();
const sheet = workbook.addWorksheet(‘Stock Prices’);
sheet.columns = [
{ header: ‘Time’, key: ‘time’, width: 20 },
{ header: ‘Stock Price’, key: ‘price’, width: 15 },
];
Step 2: Fetch Real-Time Data
You can fetch live data from APIs (like Alpha Vantage, Yahoo Finance, or internal systems) and populate the worksheet at set intervals.
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setInterval(async () => {
const currentTime = new Date().toLocaleTimeString();
const currentPrice = await fetchLiveStockPrice();
sheet.addRow({ time: currentTime, price: currentPrice });
await workbook.xlsx.writeFile(‘realtime_stock.xlsx’);
}, 5000);
This code updates the Excel file every 5 seconds.
Step 3: Add Excel Chart Add-in
Once the data is updating in Excel, use the Chart Add-in from the Office Add-ins store:
- Go to Insert > Get Add-ins > Chart.
- Choose a line chart or any other suitable chart type.
- Select the data range (e.g., A1:B100).
- The chart will automatically refresh as new rows are added.
Some advanced Excel Add-ins also support real-time refresh by syncing with APIs or local scripts.
Bonus: Hosting it in the Cloud
For larger enterprise use cases, you can deploy your ExcelJS script on a server and automate updates through scheduled jobs. Combine it with Microsoft OneDrive or SharePoint for seamless access and sharing across teams.
Benefits of This Approach
- No Complex BI Tools Needed: Leverage Excel’s familiar interface instead of adopting new platforms.
- Customizable Dashboards: Tailor your data presentation using ExcelJS and Add-ins.
- Real-Time Insights: View live trends, track performance, and make fast decisions.
- Cross-Platform: Works in browser environments and Node.js for flexibility.
- Scalable: Supports hundreds or thousands of rows depending on your needs.
Conclusion
In 2025, Excel is no longer just a static spreadsheet tool—it is a powerful, programmable analytics platform. By integrating ExcelJS charts for automated data updates and Chart Add-ins for real-time visual feedback, you can build robust, interactive dashboards with minimal infrastructure.
Whether you are monitoring stock prices, tracking sales performance, or visualizing IoT data streams, Excel’s capabilities—when extended with JavaScript—open a new world of possibilities. So go ahead, tap into the power of real-time Excel and unlock insights like never before.
