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xlwings Excel MCP Server

create_table

Convert Excel data ranges into structured tables for improved organization, filtering, and analysis using native Excel functionality.

Instructions

Creates a native Excel table from a specified range of data.

Args:
    sheet_name: Name of worksheet
    data_range: Range of data to create table from
    session_id: Session ID from open_workbook (preferred)
    filepath: Path to Excel file (legacy, deprecated)
    table_name: Name for the table (optional)
    table_style: Style for the table (optional)
    
Note: Use session_id for better performance. filepath parameter is deprecated.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
sheet_nameYes
data_rangeYes
session_idNo
filepathNo
table_nameNo
table_styleNoTableStyleMedium9

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Implementation Reference

  • MCP handler function for the 'create_table' tool. Registers the tool with @mcp.tool(), handles session-based or legacy filepath access, and delegates to xlwings implementation functions.
    @mcp.tool()
    def create_table(
        sheet_name: str,
        data_range: str,
        session_id: Optional[str] = None,
        filepath: Optional[str] = None,
        table_name: Optional[str] = None,
        table_style: str = "TableStyleMedium9"
    ) -> str:
        """
        Creates a native Excel table from a specified range of data.
        
        Args:
            sheet_name: Name of worksheet
            data_range: Range of data to create table from
            session_id: Session ID from open_workbook (preferred)
            filepath: Path to Excel file (legacy, deprecated)
            table_name: Name for the table (optional)
            table_style: Style for the table (optional)
            
        Note: Use session_id for better performance. filepath parameter is deprecated.
        """
        try:
            # Support both new (session_id) and old (filepath) API
            if session_id:
                # New API: use session
                session = SESSION_MANAGER.get_session(session_id)
                if not session:
                    return ERROR_TEMPLATES['SESSION_NOT_FOUND'].format(
                        session_id=session_id, 
                        ttl=10  # Default TTL is 10 minutes (600 seconds)
                    )
                
                with session.lock:
                    from xlwings_mcp.xlwings_impl.advanced_xlw import create_table_xlw_with_wb
                    result = create_table_xlw_with_wb(
                        session.workbook,
                        sheet_name=sheet_name,
                        data_range=data_range,
                        table_name=table_name,
                        table_style=table_style
                    )
            elif filepath:
                # Legacy API: backwards compatibility
                logger.warning("Using deprecated filepath parameter. Please use session_id instead.")
                full_path = get_excel_path(filepath)
                from xlwings_mcp.xlwings_impl.advanced_xlw import create_table_xlw
                result = create_table_xlw(
                    filepath=full_path,
                    sheet_name=sheet_name,
                    data_range=data_range,
                    table_name=table_name,
                    table_style=table_style
                )
            else:
                return ERROR_TEMPLATES['PARAMETER_MISSING'].format(
                    param1='session_id',
                    param2='filepath'
                )
            
            return result.get("message", "Table created successfully") if "error" not in result else f"Error: {result['error']}"
            
        except DataError as e:
            return f"Error: {str(e)}"
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error creating table: {e}")
            raise
  • Legacy (non-session) implementation of Excel table creation using xlwings. Opens workbook, creates ListObject table from range, applies style and filters, saves and closes.
    def create_table_xlw(
        filepath: str,
        sheet_name: str,
        data_range: str,
        table_name: Optional[str] = None,
        table_style: str = "TableStyleMedium9"
    ) -> Dict[str, Any]:
        """
        Create an Excel table (ListObject) using xlwings.
        
        Args:
            filepath: Path to Excel file
            sheet_name: Name of worksheet
            data_range: Range of data to convert to table (e.g., "A1:D10")
            table_name: Name for the table (optional)
            table_style: Excel table style name
            
        Returns:
            Dict with success message or error
        """
        app = None
        wb = None
    
        # Initialize COM for thread safety (Windows)
        _com_initialize()
    
        try:
            logger.info(f"Creating Excel table in {sheet_name}")
            
            # Check if file exists
            if not os.path.exists(filepath):
                return {"error": f"File not found: {filepath}"}
            
            # Open Excel app and workbook
            app = xw.App(visible=False, add_book=False)
            wb = app.books.open(filepath)
            
            # Check if sheet exists
            sheet_names = [s.name for s in wb.sheets]
            if sheet_name not in sheet_names:
                return {"error": f"Sheet '{sheet_name}' not found"}
            
            sheet = wb.sheets[sheet_name]
            
            # Get data range
            range_obj = sheet.range(data_range)
            
            # Generate table name if not provided
            if not table_name:
                existing_tables = sheet.api.ListObjects
                table_name = f"Table{existing_tables.Count + 1}"
            
            # Create table using COM API
            sheet_com = sheet.api
            table = sheet_com.ListObjects.Add(
                SourceType=1,  # xlSrcRange
                Source=range_obj.api,
                XlListObjectHasHeaders=1  # xlYes
            )
            
            # Set table name
            table.Name = table_name
            
            # Apply table style
            table.TableStyle = table_style
            
            # Enable filtering
            table.ShowAutoFilter = True
            
            # Enable total row (optional, disabled by default)
            table.ShowTotals = False
            
            # Save the workbook
            wb.save()
            
            logger.info(f"✅ Successfully created table '{table_name}'")
            return {
                "message": f"Successfully created Excel table",
                "table_name": table_name,
                "data_range": data_range,
                "style": table_style,
                "sheet": sheet_name,
                "has_headers": True,
                "has_filter": True
            }
            
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"❌ Error creating table: {str(e)}")
            return {"error": str(e)}
            
        finally:
            if wb:
                wb.close()
            if app:
                app.quit()
  • Session-based implementation of Excel table creation. Uses existing workbook object, creates ListObject from range, applies style and filters, saves workbook.
    def create_table_xlw_with_wb(
        wb,
        sheet_name: str,
        data_range: str,
        table_name: Optional[str] = None,
        table_style: str = "TableStyleMedium9"
    ) -> Dict[str, Any]:
        """Session-based version using existing workbook object.
        
        Args:
            wb: Workbook object from session
            sheet_name: Name of worksheet
            data_range: Range of data to convert to table (e.g., "A1:D10")
            table_name: Name for the table (optional)
            table_style: Excel table style name
            
        Returns:
            Dict with success message or error
        """
        try:
            logger.info(f"📋 Creating Excel table in {sheet_name}")
            
            # Check if sheet exists
            sheet_names = [s.name for s in wb.sheets]
            if sheet_name not in sheet_names:
                return {"error": f"Sheet '{sheet_name}' not found"}
            
            sheet = wb.sheets[sheet_name]
            
            # Get data range
            range_obj = sheet.range(data_range)
            
            # Generate table name if not provided
            if not table_name:
                existing_tables = sheet.api.ListObjects
                table_name = f"Table{existing_tables.Count + 1}"
            
            # Create table using COM API
            sheet_com = sheet.api
            table = sheet_com.ListObjects.Add(
                SourceType=1,  # xlSrcRange
                Source=range_obj.api,
                XlListObjectHasHeaders=1  # xlYes
            )
            
            # Set table name
            table.Name = table_name
            
            # Apply table style
            table.TableStyle = table_style
            
            # Enable filtering
            table.ShowAutoFilter = True
            
            # Enable total row (optional, disabled by default)
            table.ShowTotals = False
            
            # Save the workbook
            wb.save()
            
            logger.info(f"✅ Successfully created table '{table_name}'")
            return {
                "message": f"Successfully created Excel table",
                "table_name": table_name,
                "data_range": data_range,
                "style": table_style,
                "sheet": sheet_name,
                "has_headers": True,
                "has_filter": True
            }
            
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"❌ Error creating table: {str(e)}")
            return {"error": str(e)}
  • The @mcp.tool() decorator registers the create_table function as an MCP tool.
    @mcp.tool()
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It states the tool creates something (implying mutation) and mentions performance considerations, but doesn't disclose permissions needed, whether changes are reversible, rate limits, or error conditions. It adds some context but lacks comprehensive behavioral details.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is well-structured with a clear purpose statement followed by parameter explanations and a note. Every sentence adds value, though it could be slightly more front-loaded by integrating the note into the main flow. It's appropriately sized for a 6-parameter tool.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's complexity (6 parameters, mutation operation) and no annotations, the description does well by explaining all parameters and usage guidance. However, with an output schema present, it doesn't need to explain return values, but could benefit from more behavioral context like error handling or side effects.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The description adds significant meaning beyond the input schema, which has 0% description coverage. It explains each parameter's purpose, marks 'filepath' as deprecated, indicates 'session_id' is preferred for performance, and notes optional parameters. This fully compensates for the schema's lack of descriptions.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the specific action ('Creates a native Excel table') and resource ('from a specified range of data'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like create_workbook or create_worksheet. It precisely defines what the tool does without being tautological.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides explicit guidance on when to use certain parameters: 'Use session_id for better performance' and 'filepath parameter is deprecated.' It also implies context by specifying it works with Excel data ranges, though it doesn't explicitly compare to alternatives like create_pivot_table.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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