DocuGUIDE
Search an Excel or CSV file by meaning
Spreadsheets hide information in rows, columns, and sheet tabs. Describe what you need in plain language, and DocuLocate highlights the matching row in a grid viewer.
Why spreadsheets are awkward to search
Excel’s find works on exact cell text, one workbook at a time. In a workbook with several sheets and hundreds of rows, you still have to guess the label someone used: “late fee,” “penalty,” “overdue charge.”
Row-level answers are what you usually want: the line that says what applies, to whom, and how much.
What DocuLocate does with a spreadsheet
- Accepts .xlsx, .xls, and .csv files.
- Shows the file in a grid with sheet tabs.
- Returns matching rows and highlights them in the grid.
- Shows the sheet and row for each result, when available.
A workbook can contain multiple sheets. You still search one file at a time.
Example: finding a fee
YOU SEARCH
What do I pay if I’m late with a payment?
FEES-SCHEDULE.XLSX · ILLUSTRATIVE ROW
Overdue balance · Monthly interest · 1.0%Fictional example · check the full sheet for conditions and exceptions
The sheet says “overdue balance,” not “late.” A meaning-based search can still connect the two.
Tips for better spreadsheet searches
- Describe the row you want, not a single column header.
- Use Lexical for exact codes, SKUs, IDs, or names, and turn on Match case if it matters.
- Check neighbouring rows and other sheets. A matching row can depend on a note or condition elsewhere in the workbook.
Limits to know about
- DocuLocate finds and highlights rows. It does not edit the spreadsheet, and it is not a calculation or reporting tool.
- Relevance is a guide. Read the highlighted row in context before relying on it.
- One file at a time.
Before you upload anything sensitive, read the privacy details.
Questions, answered
Which spreadsheet formats work?
The app’s file picker accepts Excel (.xlsx and .xls) and CSV files.
Can it search across all the sheets in a workbook?
A workbook can contain multiple sheets, and the viewer shows them as tabs. Results show the sheet and row when available. You search one file at a time.
Can DocuLocate calculate totals or build reports?
No. It locates relevant rows and passages. It does not calculate, edit, or report on your data.
What if I only know the exact code or ID?
Use Lexical search, which focuses on keyword matches, and turn on Match case if capitalization matters.