Importing data from Excel files into Legatics allows you to quickly create structured lists without manual data entry. This feature is perfect for transforming static spreadsheets into actionable lists, saving time and maintaining consistency.
Whether you’re working with transaction checklists or other data, this guide will walk you through the process to ensure a seamless import experience.
Prerequisites: To create lists in a matter, you must be a Matter Admin
Note: There are some limitations when importing Excel files
Start the import
Initiate list creation
Click on Create list located either on the top navigation bar or the dashboard
In the Create list pop-up, choose the Excel option
Upload your file
In the screen that appears, upload you file. You can upload files by:
pressing Choose .xlsx file from your computer
dragging and dropping into the box
uploading from iManage
uploading from NetDocuments
Once you upload the file, you'll automatically be taken to the next screen
Customise the import
Once the file is imported, you can customise the data in the file before it's imported into Legatics.
Select sheet and header row
If your Excel file has multiple sheets, select the sheet to import and specify the header row to name the columns in your list. Adjust these by clicking the boxes for Sheet to Import or Header Row at the top of the import screen.
Note: You can only import one sheet at a time
Rename and remove columns
By default, all columns are included, and their names are taken from the header row. To modify these, click Edit columns and make changes in the pop-up.
Include or exclude sections and rows
You can decide to include or exclude certain rows or sections. Simply press the toggle on or off next to the relevant row or section.
Change between row and section
We try to identify whether rows in your sheet are sections. We do this by looking for rows with merged cells. If this attempt is incorrect, you can adjust it by clicking the box in the type column.
Adjust section level
By default, all sections are set as first level sections. You need to adjust these if you've got nested sections. To do this, simply press on the left and right icons next to the name of the section.
Reset and undo
If you need to undo a change, press the undo button. If you need to start over during the import process, use the reset button. Clicking this will reset to the values on import, allowing you to begin the edit process again .
Complete the import
Once you're happy with your import:
Press Import at the bottom right of the screen
Give your list a name and set any list-level permissions
Press Create
Your list will be created with the data you imported
Next steps
Limitations
Tip: If you're running into import issues, copy and paste the cells in the sheet into a new, blank spreadsheet without formatting
xlsx files only | Other spreadsheet files aren't supported |
Maximum columns and rows | 50 columns or 500 rows |
Import into free-text columns only | It's a Excel limitation. Data in a Excel cells can be anything. Our lists are structured data. |
Partially merged cells and split cells not recognised | So keep you tables nice and simple! |
Special characters and formatting not recognised | We only recognise text. Anything else won't import. |
Validated cells not recognised | If your file has these, you'll get an error message that "the file contains more than 500 rows." |
One sheet per import | If your file has multiple sheets, do multiple imports |
No editing during import | Editing is done after the table is imported |
Work not saved until imported | So don't leave the page open! |
FAQ
Do you recognise merged cells?
Do you recognise merged cells?
Only as sections (if the entire row is merged together). Any other partial merging or splitting isn't supported. If you import tables with merged cells or split cells, you'll find data in the wrong place.
How do I get sections recognised?
How do I get sections recognised?
Merge a group of cells in a row together, and don't add other merges in the row. Don't worry about colouring the merged row, we don't look at formatting to recognise sections.
Does this feature work for every language?
Does this feature work for every language?
Yes, the feature is language agnostic.
Are there any limits to the number of columns or rows I can import?
Are there any limits to the number of columns or rows I can import?
Yes. You're limited to 500 rows and 50 columns.
Is my work saved when I'm working on the import?
Is my work saved when I'm working on the import?
No. You'll need to complete the import to save your work.
Demonstration files
These are a great way to test out the feature!