There few options to download data from Salesforce.
ExtendInsights provides two ways to download Salesforce data into Microsoft Excel:
Objects and Fields: Select an object, choose fields, and apply filters through the ExtendInsights interface.
SOQL: Enter a Salesforce Object Query Language query for more precise control over the returned data.
Explore the feature by watching the video or following the steps below:
Existing media may show the earlier connector layout. In version 10.8, Proceed is now Insert Template. After insertion, Configure collapses, and Actions expands. Preview and Download are available under Actions
Download Using Objects and Fields
Use this method to select Salesforce fields and create filters without writing a query.
The example below downloads Lead records where Status is Working - Contacted.
Open ExtendInsights and select Salesforce.
Select Create a New Template.
Select an existing Salesforce connection or create a connection.
Expand the Configure box. Select the Salesforce object to download. This example uses Lead.
Search for and select the fields you need. Then select Apply.
To change how Excel handles a field, see Change Field Data Types.
Review the selected fields. Drag fields to reorder them, remove fields, change their format, or add more fields. Select Done when finished.
Optional: Add criteria to return only the records you need. A filter consists of a Salesforce field, operator, and value.
For this example, set Lead Status to Working - Contacted.
Apply the filter, then select Insert Template.
ExtendInsights inserts the template into the worksheet.
Under Actions, select Preview to validate the results or Download to retrieve the data in Excel.
Hooray! š„³ You loaded your data from Salesforce using Objects and Fields!
Download Using SOQL
Use SOQL when you need query-based filtering or clauses such as WHERE, ORDER BY, or LIMIT. This example downloads Lead records where Lead Source equals Web.
Open ExtendInsights and select Salesforce.
Select Create a New Template.
Select an existing Salesforce connection or create a connection.
Expand the Configure box. Select the Salesforce object to download. This example uses Lead.
Search for and select the fields you need. Then select Apply.
To change how Excel handles a field, see Change Field Data Types.
Review the selected fields. Drag fields to reorder them, remove fields, change their format, or add more fields. Select Done when finished.
Expand the SOQL section to open the editor.
Enter or update the SOQL query. In this example, the query filters Lead records where Lead Source equals Web.
Select Insert Template.
ExtendInsights inserts the template into the worksheet.
Under Actions, select Preview or Download.
Hooray! š„³ You loaded your data from Salesforce using SOQL!
Save the Salesforce Template
Save the template if you want to reuse the same object, fields, filters, or SOQL configuration in another workbook.
After selecting Insert Template, go to Save Template at the bottom of the connector panel.
Enter a descriptive Template Name.
Optional: Enter a Description that explains the template's purpose.
Select Save.
The saved template appears in the Template Repository and can be loaded in another workbook.
Note: If you do not save the template, you can refresh it only from the worksheet where it was created.
ā”ļø For instructions on loading, updating, or deleting saved templates, see Manage Templates in ExtendInsights.
Schedule Salesforce Downloads
After downloading data, you can assign a schedule to refresh the workbook automatically.
Before assigning a schedule, confirm that:
You are using ExtendInsights in Microsoft Excel.
The workbook is stored in OneDrive for Business or SharePoint.
The required Microsoft 365 administrator consent has been granted.
ā”ļø For complete instructions, see Schedule Automatic Data Refresh.
Verification
The expected Salesforce fields appear as columns in Excel.
Downloaded records match the filters or SOQL query.
Preview results match the expected Salesforce records.
If scheduled, the template or query appears under the assigned schedule.
Best Practices
Use objects and fields for straightforward downloads that do not require query syntax.
Use SOQL for advanced filtering, sorting, or record limits.
Preview results before downloading a large dataset.
Apply filters or SOQL conditions to avoid downloading unnecessary records.
Save scheduled workbooks in OneDrive for Business or SharePoint.
Keep scheduled workbooks within Excel Online's 100 MB workbook limit.
Need Help?
Search the CloudExtend Help Center for additional guidance.
If you still need assistance:
Use the in-app chat from the bottom-right corner of the Support site.
Include the Salesforce object, selected fields, connection, filters or SOQL query, and any error messages or screenshots.