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Create a start page with Exopen for Excel

Intended for: report builders who want to create a shared start page and distribute it to the organisation.

What is a start page?​

A start page is the first view a user sees when they open the file. It is not a special file format, but an Excel workbook that you build and distribute widely. You can make it as simple or as advanced as you like:

Fully static page. Just text, images and your own layout, without any Exopen data. Good for a plain welcome or overview page.

Dynamic page with ExoFunctions. Uses Exopen functions that fetch content and data automatically. Good when the start page should show up-to-date key figures.

When someone opens the file, the Exopen side panel opens automatically, and a dynamic start page loads its data without the user having to click anything.

Overview of the steps​

  1. Build your start page, static or dynamic.
  2. Give the right users access, for example the whole organisation.
  3. Distribute the file, via SharePoint, the intranet or directly.

Step 1: Build your start page​

Build the start page in Excel. This is the first impression, so keep it clear and easy to scan.

If you want a static page, just add text, images and your layout. If you want a dynamic page, add the ExoFunctions and selections that should fetch and display data. A dynamic start page runs its functions automatically when the file is opened, using ExoPublish, so the user sees up-to-date data straight away.

  • Put the most important content at the top.
  • Consider adding short instructions for anyone who is new.
  • Test that the page displays and, for dynamic pages, loads as intended.

Open the add-in once​

For the side panel to open automatically for others who open the file, you who build the start page need to open the Exopen add-in at least once while the file is open. This tells the workbook to always open the add-in when it is opened. Then save the file so that the setting is included.

Step 2: Give users access​

For a dynamic start page that fetches Exopen data, the user needs to have access in Exopen, otherwise the add-in cannot load data for them. Access is controlled through groups.

For a start page that should reach a wide audience, you will often give access to everyone, for example through a group that the whole organisation belongs to. How to manage groups and access is described in the guide Onboard users.

note

A fully static start page without Exopen data does not require such access. It is enough that the recipient can open the Excel file itself.

Step 3: Distribute the file​

Distribute the start page in the way that suits you. Two common ways:

Option A: Put the file in SharePoint​

  1. Put the Excel file in SharePoint, for example in a team or a shared location.
  2. Link to the SharePoint file from your intranet or another channel you use to reach employees.

Option B: Share the file directly​

You can also share the file directly, for example by sending the file or a link to the recipient.

note

In both cases the same applies: when the recipient opens the file, the Exopen side panel opens automatically. For a dynamic start page, data loads automatically, provided that the recipient has the add-in installed and has access according to step 2.

Summary​

Build the start page once, static or dynamic, give the relevant users access if it fetches Exopen data, and distribute the file via SharePoint, the intranet or directly. When someone opens the file, the side panel opens automatically and a dynamic start page shows up-to-date data straight away.