LibXL

LibXL is a library that allows reading and writing Excel files without needing Microsoft Excel. It provides capabilities to generate new spreadsheets, extract data from existing files, and modify documents. It supports binary Excel 97-2003 (XLS) and XML Excel 2007-2016 (XLSX/XLSM) formats. The library is compatible with Unicode and 64-bit platforms, and can be integrated into applications developed in C, C++, C#, Delphi, Fortran, and other languages.

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• Reading and writing Excel formats. The LibXL library processes files in XLS (Excel 97-2003) and XLSX/XLSM (Excel 2007-2016) formats. It performs opening, editing, saving, and creation operations without external dependencies on Microsoft Excel or the .NET framework. The functions handle workbook, worksheet, and cell structures with precision.
• Spreadsheet manipulation. Operations include creating new workbooks, adding or deleting sheets, and modifying content cell by cell. The methods control inserting rows and columns, adjusting dimensions, and navigating within the document hierarchy. The library preserves formulas and formatting during manipulations.
• Formula and function support. LibXL recognizes and calculates mathematical, statistical, logical, and text formulas native to Excel. The built-in functions allow writing expressions in cells, evaluating results, and referencing ranges. The engine processes calculations compatible with Excel's rules.
• Applying cell formatting. Formatting styles encompass fonts, colors, borders, alignment, and fill patterns. The library sets custom number formats, such as dates, currencies, or percentages. The configurations maintain visual consistency in generated reports.
• Handling images and objects. Insertion of images in BMP, JPEG, PNG, and other formats is done using cell coordinates or precise offsets. The functions adjust dimensions, scaling, and positioning of graphics within sheets. The graphical objects are integrated into the workbook structure.
• Worksheet protection and security. Protection settings lock entire sheets or specific ranges against modifications. The options set passwords, editing restrictions, and differentiated permissions. Protection applies security at the workbook and worksheet level.
• Managing tables and named ranges. Table creation defines structured ranges with headers, filters, and automatic styles. Named ranges assign identifiers to cell groups for reference in formulas. Operations include dynamic updating of dimensions.
• Generating charts and diagrams. Supported chart types include bar, line, pie, and scatter. Configuration sets titles, axes, legends, and data series. Charts are linked to cell ranges for automatic updates.
• Merging and splitting cells operations. Merging cells groups contiguous cells into a single visual entity. The functions control content alignment and borders in merged areas. Splitting reverses previous merges without data loss.
• Importing and exporting data. The exchange mechanisms transfer data between programming structures and spreadsheets. Supported formats include CSV, XML, and memory streams. Conversions maintain character encoding and data types.
• Handling hyperlinks and comments. Inserting hyperlinks associates URLs, email addresses, or internal references with cells. Comments attach text notes with authors and visual formatting. The functions edit and delete these elements.
• Controlling views and page setup. Page setup defines margins, orientation, paper sizes, and print areas. Views freeze panes, split windows, and adjust display zoom. Configurations persist in the saved file.
• Processing macros and VBA scripts. The library extracts, inserts, and executes macro modules written in Visual Basic for Applications. The operations preserve VBA projects in XLSM files. Handling includes password protection of code.
• Data validation and dropdown lists. Validation rules restrict cell inputs to numerical ranges, dates, or predefined lists. Dropdown lists create selection menus with static or dynamic options. Custom error messages guide the user.
• Serialization and in-memory storage. Entire workbooks are serialized to memory buffers for network transmission or processing. The functions load and save documents from/to byte streams. This method avoids operations with temporary files.

LibXL was developed by the company Brainberg, based in Europe. Development began in 2008, responding to the need for a lightweight library for handling Excel files without commercial software dependencies. The original implementation was done in C++, with later interfaces for multiple programming languages. The library has evolved with updates adding support for new Excel formats and advanced functionalities. The development team maintains the library with compatibility fixes and performance improvements.

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