vcl-168029-expressspreadsheet-vcl-spreadsheet-controls.md
VCL Spreadsheet controls allow you to create applications with a user experience inspired by Microsoft Excel®.
Refer to the following topics to get started with the Spreadsheet controls:
The Spreadsheet control displays spreadsheet documents and allows users to edit document content.
Refer to the following topics for more information:
You can use a data-aware version of the Spreadsheet control (TdxSpreadSheetReportDesigner) to generate spreadsheet documents based on a template (Mail Merge). A Mail Merge template includes placeholders bound to dataset fields and allows you to create multiple personalized versions of the same document.
Tip
The Spreadsheet control is designed for simple usage scenarios. For advanced report generation and Business Intelligence/data analysis, we recommend that you use our ExpressReports and ExpressDashboards Suites (available as part of the VCL Subscription +). These advanced solutions include both the powerful report generator and customizable print preview, BI dashboard designer and viewer available both at design- and runtime, smart/AI functions, non-GUI/service-based document generation, and much more.
Refer to the following topics for more information on spreadsheet document generation:
The Formula Bar complements the Spreadsheet controls with additional cell view and edit options found in popular spreadsheet applications.
You can create a spreadsheet-based application with a fully-functional Ribbon or Toolbar UI in a few clicks:
Refer to the following topic for details: How to: Create a Ribbon or Toolbar UI for your Spreadsheet-based Application.
The Spreadsheet and Mail Merge controls support the following data shaping functionality:
Refer to the following topics for more information:
The Spreadsheet controls allow you to protect your documents to prevent unauthorized access. Security options include:
Document Encryption and Password ProtectionThe Spreadsheet controls use 256-bit AES encryption for XLSX files and the custom RC4 CryptoAPI implementation for XLS files.Document Structure ProtectionUsers can “lock” document structure – disable changes to worksheet names, state, order, etc.Worksheet Content ProtectionUsers can restrict specific actions in a protected worksheet, such as changes to cell content, column management operations, and more.
The Spreadsheet controls support over 300 built-in functions compatible with Microsoft Excel® formulas. You can use basic mathematical functions to aggregate data in a spreadsheet or create intricate formula expressions with statistical, logical, and information-related functions. The Spreadsheet controls also allow you to implement custom functions.
Refer to the following topics for information on how to work with formula expressions:
The Conditional Formatting functionality allows you to emphasize important data. Individual rules apply custom formatting to cells that meet specific criteria.
The Spreadsheet and Mail Merge controls support the following spreadsheet document formats:
Refer to the following topic for details: Export and Import Data.
Formula Expression and Conditional Formatting functionality is implemented as shared libraries. Their public API is also available in the following products:
TcxGridA Data Grid control.TcxDBTreeListA data-aware Tree List control.TcxTreeListA control that displays data in a tree-like manner.TcxVerticalGridThe vertical grid control that implements single record and banded layouts.TcxDBVerticalGridRepresents the data-aware vertical grid control.TcxVirtualVerticalGridThe vertical grid control that implements single record, multi record and banded layouts.
The data export functionality of the controls in the list above and in the list below relies on the VCL Spreadsheet export engine:
TcxPivotGridAn unbound Pivot Grid control.TcxDBPivotGridA data-aware Pivot Grid control.TcxSchedulerThe scheduler control.