ExtendInsights Salesforce connects Microsoft Excel to Salesforce, allowing you to retrieve, create, update, refresh, and delete Salesforce records without leaving your workbook.
This guide introduces the application’s core features and directs you to detailed instructions for each workflow.
Overview
With ExtendInsights Salesforce, you can:
Download Salesforce data using objects, fields, filters, or SOQL queries.
Create reusable templates that map Excel columns to Salesforce fields.
Create and update Salesforce records from Excel.
Refresh worksheet rows with the latest data from Salesforce.
Delete supported Salesforce records.
Schedule automatic data refreshes for eligible workbooks.
We recommend watching the overview video and then following the resources below.
All in 1 video:
Video note: The video may show the earlier connector layout. In version 10.8, Proceed is now Insert Template, and Preview appears under Actions.
Before You Begin
Confirm that:
Your administrator has assigned you an ExtendInsights license.
The ExtendInsights Excel Data Connector is installed.
You have an active Salesforce account.
Your Salesforce user has permission to access the objects and fields you need.
Your Salesforce administrator has installed and configured the ExtendInsights package.
Step 1: Install and Sign In
Install the ExtendInsights Excel Data Connector and sign in using your Microsoft 365 account.
After installation, you can find ExtendInsights on the Data tab in Excel.
Step 2: Connect to Salesforce
Before downloading or managing Salesforce data, create a Salesforce connection.
You can connect to either:
A Salesforce production environment
A Salesforce sandbox environment
After authorization, Salesforce will appear as an available connection in ExtendInsights.
Step 3: Build a Template
A template maps Salesforce objects and fields to columns in Excel.
When building a template, you can:
Select the Salesforce object you want to work with.
Choose the fields to include.
Rearrange or remove fields.
Configure field formats.
Add filters or a SOQL query.
Save the template for future use.
⚠️ Important: Insert a template into a blank worksheet. Inserting a template replaces the existing contents of the active worksheet.
Step 4: Explore the Salesforce Workspace
After inserting a template, the Salesforce workspace displays the tools available for configuring your template and managing data.
Use the workspace to:
Select or change your Salesforce connection.
Configure objects, fields, filters, and SOQL.
Preview and download records.
Upload, refresh, or delete selected rows.
Save templates for future use.
Step 5: Download Salesforce Data
ExtendInsights provides two ways to retrieve Salesforce data:
Objects and Fields: Select an object and fields, then apply filters without writing a query.
SOQL: Enter a Salesforce Object Query Language query for more advanced filtering, sorting, or record limits.
Use Preview to review the first set of matching records before downloading a larger dataset.
Step 6: Manage Salesforce Records
After inserting a template, use the actions in the ExtendInsights task pane to manage your Salesforce records.
Create Records
Create new Salesforce records by entering data into rows without a Salesforce record ID.
Update Records
Update existing records using rows that contain their Salesforce record IDs.
Refresh Records
Retrieve the latest Salesforce values for records already loaded in your worksheet.
Delete Records
Delete supported Salesforce records using rows that contain their Salesforce record IDs.
💡 Tip: Refresh existing records before updating them so you are working with the latest Salesforce data.
Step 7: Use Picklists and Cell Operations
Cell Operations help you search for and select valid Salesforce values directly from Excel.
This is especially helpful for fields that use Salesforce picklists or reference other records.
Best Practices
Start with a small number of records when testing a new template.
Insert templates only into blank worksheets.
Include the Salesforce record ID when updating, refreshing, or deleting records.
Confirm that all required Salesforce fields contain values.
Use Salesforce-supported date, number, and picklist formats.
Preview filtered results before downloading a large dataset.
Refresh existing records before making updates.
Review row-level results and correct any reported errors before uploading again.
Save frequently used templates with clear, descriptive names.
Verify high-impact changes directly in Salesforce.
🎓 Continue Learning
💬 Need Help?
Can’t find what you’re looking for? We’re here to help!
💬 Chat with us: Use the in-app messenger inside ExtendInsights or in the bottom-right corner of the support site.
✉️ Email Support: cloudextend-support@celigo.com
For subscription, billing, or training questions, contact your Customer Success Manager.