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xlwings Excel MCP Server

create_worksheet

Add a new worksheet to an Excel workbook using the xlwings Excel MCP Server. Specify a session ID and sheet name to organize data within workbooks.

Instructions

Create new worksheet in workbook.

Args:
    session_id: Session ID from open_workbook (required)
    sheet_name: Name of the new worksheet

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
session_idYes
sheet_nameYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Implementation Reference

  • MCP tool registration and handler for 'create_worksheet'. Validates session, locks it, and calls the xlwings implementation.
    @mcp.tool()
    def create_worksheet(
        session_id: str,
        sheet_name: str
    ) -> str:
        """
        Create new worksheet in workbook.
        
        Args:
            session_id: Session ID from open_workbook (required)
            sheet_name: Name of the new worksheet
        """
        try:
            # Validate session using centralized helper
            session = get_validated_session(session_id)
            if isinstance(session, str):  # Error message returned
                return session
                
            with session.lock:
                from xlwings_mcp.xlwings_impl.sheet_xlw import create_worksheet_xlw_with_wb
                result = create_worksheet_xlw_with_wb(session.workbook, sheet_name)
            
            return result.get("message", "Worksheet created successfully") if "error" not in result else f"Error: {result['error']}"
            
        except (ValidationError, WorkbookError) as e:
            return f"Error: {str(e)}"
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"Error creating worksheet: {e}")
            raise
  • Core handler logic: checks if sheet exists, adds new sheet using wb.sheets.add(), saves workbook.
    def create_worksheet_xlw_with_wb(wb, sheet_name: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
        """Session-based version using existing workbook object.
        
        Args:
            wb: Workbook object from session
            sheet_name: 생성할 시트명
            
        Returns:
            생성 결과 딕셔너리
        """
        try:
            # 시트 이름 중복 체크
            existing_sheets = [sheet.name for sheet in wb.sheets]
            if sheet_name in existing_sheets:
                return {"error": f"Sheet '{sheet_name}' already exists"}
            
            # 새 시트 추가
            wb.sheets.add(name=sheet_name)
            
            # 파일 저장
            wb.save()
            
            return {"message": f"Sheet '{sheet_name}' created successfully"}
            
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"xlwings 워크시트 생성 실패: {e}")
            return {"error": f"Failed to create worksheet: {str(e)}"}
  • Non-session helper: opens workbook from filepath, creates sheet, handles COM, cleanup.
    def create_worksheet_xlw(filepath: str, sheet_name: str) -> Dict[str, Any]:
        """xlwings를 사용한 워크시트 생성
    
        Args:
            filepath: Excel 파일 경로
            sheet_name: 생성할 시트명
    
        Returns:
            생성 결과 딕셔너리
        """
        app = None
        wb = None
    
        # Initialize COM for thread safety (Windows)
        _com_initialize()
    
        try:
            # 파일 경로 검증
            file_path = Path(filepath)
            if not file_path.exists():
                return {"error": f"File not found: {filepath}"}
    
            # Excel 앱 시작
            app = xw.App(visible=False, add_book=False)
            
            # 워크북 열기
            wb = app.books.open(filepath)
            
            # 시트 이름 중복 체크
            existing_sheets = [sheet.name for sheet in wb.sheets]
            if sheet_name in existing_sheets:
                return {"error": f"Sheet '{sheet_name}' already exists"}
            
            # 새 시트 추가
            wb.sheets.add(name=sheet_name)
            
            # 파일 저장
            wb.save()
            
            return {"message": f"Sheet '{sheet_name}' created successfully"}
            
        except Exception as e:
            logger.error(f"xlwings 워크시트 생성 실패: {e}")
            return {"error": f"Failed to create worksheet: {str(e)}"}
            
        finally:
            # 리소스 정리
            if wb:
                try:
                    wb.close()
                except Exception as e:
                    logger.warning(f"워크북 닫기 실패: {e}")
            
            if app:
                try:
                    app.quit()
                except Exception as e:
                    logger.warning(f"Excel 앱 종료 실패: {e}")
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states the tool creates a worksheet but doesn't cover important aspects like whether this requires specific permissions, what happens if a worksheet with the same name exists, or any rate limits. The description is too basic for a mutation tool with zero annotation coverage.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is extremely concise with only three sentences, front-loading the main purpose first. Every sentence earns its place: the first states the action, the second and third explain the parameters. No wasted words or redundant information.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given that there's an output schema (which handles return values) and only 2 parameters with basic types, the description is minimally adequate. However, as a mutation tool with no annotations, it should provide more behavioral context about side effects, error conditions, or success criteria to be truly complete.

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

Parameters4/5

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

The description explicitly documents both parameters (session_id and sheet_name) with brief explanations, adding meaningful context beyond the schema which has 0% description coverage. While it doesn't provide detailed format requirements or constraints, it successfully 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.

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the action ('Create new worksheet') and resource ('in workbook'), providing a specific verb+resource combination. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'create_workbook' or 'copy_worksheet', which would require explicit comparison to achieve a score of 5.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides minimal guidance by mentioning the required 'session_id from open_workbook', but lacks explicit when-to-use instructions, alternatives (e.g., vs. copy_worksheet), or prerequisites beyond the session requirement. No context about when this tool is preferred over other creation methods is given.

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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