Native Binary Excel Export Made Its Way to Our ASP.NET TreeList

Q1 2012 brings yet another popular export format to the already rich set of TreeList features. This time, we added support for the Microsoft Excel format. The exported files are based on the binary BIFF standard and hereby they are fully compatible with virtually all versions of Microsoft Excel and most of the XLS BIFF compatible software. Another benefit is that you will be able to access the output file using the widely popular OleDB Jet provider.

Similar to the PDF export, you can apply custom styles in two different ways – using the built-in item styles (ItemStyle, HeaderStyle and the like) or using the export-specific counterparts which also include a dedicated ExpandCollapseCellStyle for decorating the cell of the same name.

The server API was created in a fashion close to the base control functionality so that the developers may enjoy a flat learning curve.

Here is an example of a TreeList setup:
 

 

 

 

Just as one would expect, it is possible to create a professional worksheet with a few lines of code. The result will look like this (browser above; Excel below)

 

 

We encourage that you submit your questions and post your feedback in the comments below. If you wish to suggest a new feature or an improvement to an existing functionality, send us a General Feedback ticket. Don’t be shy; let us know what you think.