How to make a data connection between two Excel workbooks

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a data connection between two Excel workbooks. Establishing connections between workbooks is essential for managing data efficiently, allowing you to pull and analyze information without duplicating efforts. This process is particularly useful for businesses that need to consolidate data from multiple sources.

Step 1: Open Both Workbooks

• Begin by opening the two Excel workbooks you want to connect.
• Ensure that both workbooks are accessible and saved on your device or a shared network location.

Step 2: Prepare the Source Workbook

• Identify the workbook that contains the data you want to link. This is referred to as the source workbook.
• Select the specific cells or range of data that you wish to connect to your destination workbook.
• Make sure the data is organized properly—ideally, in a table format for easier reference.

Step 3: Create the Data Connection

• Go to the destination workbook where you want to display the linked data.
• Click on the Data tab in the ribbon.
• Select Get Data or From Workbook (the specific option may vary depending on your Excel version).
• Navigate to the source workbook, select it, and click Import.

Step 4: Choose the Data to Import

• A Navigator window will open displaying the sheets and tables in your source workbook.
• Select the specific sheet or table that contains the data you need.
• Click on Load to import the data directly into your destination workbook.

Step 5: Create a Connection for Dynamic Updates

• If you require the data to update automatically, ensure to choose the option to create a connection rather than a static copy.
• Set up the refresh settings so that your destination workbook pulls the latest data from the source workbook whenever it opens or at set intervals.

Step 6: Manage and Refresh Connections

• To manage your data connections, go to the Data tab and select Queries & Connections.
• Here you can see all your connections, refresh them manually, or edit settings as needed.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively create a data connection between two Excel workbooks. This will streamline your data management process and enhance your ability to analyze information from multiple sources. For further optimization, consider exploring Excel’s advanced data management features, such as using PivotTables with the connected data.