Excel: XML Schema - how to use the universal meta format

Already since 2003 you have the possibility to apply the XML Schema to Excel as well and thereby refer to the universal meta format. This allows you to fix Excel's problem of mapping mixed content in a cell. With a schema, you ensure fast and efficient handling of the format.

How to create an XML schema

The advantage of a schema is that you have a basic form that you can add the data you want to Excel at any time, speeding up the process.

1. When creating an XML schema, your goal is to map clearly defined elements into the table fields you want.
2. To do this, you need to create your schema in an XML editor. You design each line according to a consistent structure.
3. You enter the label <xsd:complexType id="x" name="x"> and complete this heading with the appropriate elements.
4. To keep the overview, first insert a placeholder <xsd:sequence>.
5. Then proceed according to the scheme <xsd:element id="Name" name="Name" type="xsd:string"/>. You can deposit as many elements as you like.
6. When you have deposited all files in the schema, you only have to provide the XML schema with a specific name to find the data again.

How to import the data to Excel?

Excel is a program that makes the use of an XML schema very simple. All you have to do is open the Excel data sheet and open the schema in parallel. Subsequently, the desired elements are simply dragged via drag & drop into the designated cells and the XML schema inserts the stored contents.