Updated Oct 21, 2025

How to Build an App from Excel (2025 Guide) | Adalo

Table of Contents

Your Excel spreadsheets are holding your business back. While teams struggle with version conflicts, data corruption, and mobile accessibility issues, modern organizations are transforming static spreadsheets into dynamic applications that deliver up to 50% faster application development and reduce data entry errors through validation and structured forms. With Adalo's no-code platform, you can convert your Excel workbooks into fully functional mobile and web apps without writing a single line of code, amid forecasts that 500 million new apps will be created in the next five years.

Key Takeaways

Excel-to-app conversion can reduce data entry errors via validation and structured forms
Forrester found up to 50% faster development with Microsoft Power Apps Premium
Inventory apps can improve stock accuracy with real-time data and barcode workflows
Forrester found a 206% ROI and payback periods under six months with Microsoft Power Apps Premium
Gartner forecasted the worldwide low-code development technologies market to total $26.9 billion in 2023
Gartner forecasts that by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use low-code or no-code technologies

Why Transform Excel Spreadsheets into Apps in 2025

Excel's limitations cost organizations millions in lost productivity and data errors. When multiple team members access the same spreadsheet, version control becomes impossible—leading to overwrites, conflicting data, and decision-making based on outdated information. The problems compound when field teams need mobile access or when real-time updates become critical for operations.

Common Excel Pain Points

Your spreadsheet struggles aren't unique. Organizations worldwide face identical challenges:

Version Control Chaos: Teams waste hours reconciling conflicting spreadsheet versions
Mobile Accessibility: Excel files don't scale properly on phones, making field work impossible
Data Corruption: Single formula errors cascade through entire workbooks
Collaboration caveats: Legacy shared-file workflows can cause conflicts; using OneDrive/SharePoint enables co-authoring with near real-time edits
Security Vulnerabilities: No granular permissions or audit trails for sensitive data
Scalability limits: Excel supports ~1,048,576 rows per sheet; performance can degrade on large/complex workbooks—databases are recommended for big datasets

Benefits of App-Based Solutions

Converting spreadsheets to applications transforms these pain points into competitive advantages. Modern apps built with Adalo's platform deliver:

Real-time synchronization across all devices and users
Role-based access controls protecting sensitive information
Automated workflows replacing manual data entry
Mobile-optimized interfaces for field teams
Designed to scale for typical SMB/enterprise use cases
Complete audit trails for compliance and accountability

Excel to App: Understanding No-Code App Builder Fundamentals

No-code platforms democratize application development by replacing programming languages with visual interfaces. These systems interpret your Excel structure and automatically generate databases, user interfaces, and business logic—transforming months of traditional development into days of configuration.

What Makes No-Code Different

Traditional development requires writing thousands of lines of code to replicate Excel functionality. A no-code app builder eliminates this barrier through:

Visual Development: Drag-and-drop interfaces replace syntax and programming
Pre-built Components: 50+ ready-made elements handle common functionality
Automatic Database Creation: Excel tables convert directly to relational databases
Built-in Security Features: Authentication, role-based permissions, and audit options; specifics vary by platform
Cross-platform Deployment: Single build publishes to web, iOS, and Android

Professional developers achieve 50% faster application development using these platforms, while non-technical users create functional applications with focused training and practice.‍

Adalo exemplifies this approach by offering an intuitive visual builder specifically designed for mobile and web applications. Adalo's benefits include native mobile app publishing without code, a marketplace of pre-built templates and components that accelerate development, seamless integration with external databases and APIs, and real-time collaboration features for teams. The platform's component customization capabilities allow businesses to maintain brand consistency while benefiting from rapid development cycles, making it particularly effective for startups and SMBs launching customer-facing applications quickly.

Key Components of App Building

Every Excel-to-app conversion involves five core elements:

Data Layer: Your Excel tables become structured database collections
Interface Layer: Forms and screens replace spreadsheet cells
Logic Layer: Formulas transform into automated workflows
Integration Layer: APIs connect to external systems
Security Layer: Authentication and permissions protect data

Preparing Your Excel Data for App Conversion

Success depends on proper data preparation before migration. Clean, well-structured Excel files convert seamlessly, while disorganized spreadsheets create complications during import.

Data Cleanup Checklist

Before importing your Excel file, ensure:

Consistent Headers: First row contains unique column names without spaces or special characters
Data Type Uniformity: Each column contains only one data type (text, number, date)
No Merged Cells: Unmerge all cells to maintain data integrity
Remove Formulas: Convert calculated fields to static values or document logic separately
Eliminate Duplicates: Remove redundant rows using Excel's built-in tools
Standardize Formats: Dates, phone numbers, and currencies follow consistent patterns

Structuring for Database Import

Transform your Excel sheets into database-ready tables:

Create Primary Keys: Add unique identifier columns (ID numbers) to each table
Establish Relationships: Document connections between related data sets
Normalize Data: Split complex sheets into multiple simple tables
Define Data Types: Specify text, number, date, boolean for each column
Set Validation Rules: Document acceptable values and ranges
Archive Historical Data: Separate active from archived records

Organizations that properly prepare data minimize import errors. Forrester found significant time savings in a composite organization using Power Apps Premium.

Choosing the Best No-Code App Builder for Excel Projects

The best no-code app builder for your Excel conversion depends on specific requirements: data volume, user count, integration needs, and deployment targets. While numerous platforms exist, successful implementations require careful evaluation.

Platform Feature Comparison

Key capabilities to evaluate:

Data Import Methods:

Direct Excel/CSV upload capabilities
Batch import limits (records per upload)
Airtable integration for spreadsheet-like interfaces
API connections for live Excel data

Automation Features:

Zapier integration for workflow automation
Scheduled tasks and triggers
Email and notification systems
Custom formula support

Publishing Options:

Cost Considerations

Platform pricing varies significantly:

Free Tiers: Record limits apply and vary by provider; check current plan details
Starter Plans: $45/month for single apps with custom domains
Professional Plans: $60/month, adding team collaboration and advanced features
Team Plans: $200/month, 5 published apps and 10 app editors
Business Plans: $250/month, 10 published apps and unlimited app editors

See Adalo’s current pricing and plan features (pricing and inclusions change periodically); choose a plan based on your required features.

Step-by-Step: Building Your First App with a Free App Builder

Starting with a free app builder eliminates financial risk while validating your Excel-to-app concept. This walkthrough demonstrates the complete process using free-tier capabilities.

Initial Setup

Create Your Account: Sign up for Adalo's free plan (no credit card required)
Choose a Template: Select from pre-built templates or start blank
Name Your Project: Use descriptive names for easy identification
Set App Type: Choose native mobile, web app, or both

Importing Excel Data

The import process transforms spreadsheets into app databases:

Export to CSV: Save your Excel file as CSV format
Access Database: Navigate to the database section
Create Collection: Name it matching your Excel sheet
Import Data: Upload CSV file (up to 500 records on free tier)
Map Fields: Match Excel columns to database properties
Verify Import: Review imported records for accuracy

Designing Your Interface

Transform Excel grids into user-friendly screens:

List Screens: Display multiple records with search and filter
Detail Screens: Show individual record information
Form Screens: Enable data entry and editing
Dashboard Screens: Visualize metrics and KPIs
Navigation: Add menus and tabs for easy access

Adalo's component library provides drag-and-drop elements that automatically connect to your imported data, creating functional interfaces in minutes rather than months.

Advanced Features: Bubble No Code vs Traditional Builders

While platforms like Bubble No Code offer extensive customization, the complexity often overwhelms Excel users seeking simple solutions. Understanding platform differences helps select appropriate tools.

Workflow Capabilities

Advanced automation transforms static Excel processes:

Conditional Logic: IF/THEN statements trigger actions based on data changes
Multi-step Workflows: Chain multiple actions together
Scheduled Automation: Run processes at specific times
API Webhooks: Connect to external services
Custom Formulas: Replicate complex Excel calculations
Approval Processes: Route data through review stages

Customization Options

Modern platforms balance flexibility with usability:

Visual Customization: Themes, colors, fonts without CSS
Component Marketplace: Pre-built elements extend functionality
Custom Actions: Call external APIs and pass dynamic data to extend functionality
Plugin Ecosystem: Third-party extensions and integrations
White Labeling: Remove platform branding
Source Code Export: Some platforms allow code extraction

Organizations report 90% of no-code users believe their company experienced accelerated growth thanks to platform capabilities exceeding traditional spreadsheet limitations.

Database Design: Converting Excel Tables to App Collections

Proper database architecture ensures your app performs efficiently while maintaining data integrity. Excel's flat structure must transform into relational databases for optimal app performance.

Mapping Excel Sheets to Collections

Convert spreadsheet tabs into database collections:

One Sheet = One Collection: Each Excel tab becomes a separate database table
Rows Become Records: Individual data entries in the collection
Columns Become Properties: Fields storing specific data types
Headers Define Schema: Column names determine property names
Data Types Matter: Text, number, date, image, boolean assignments

Setting Up Relationships

Excel's VLOOKUP and INDEX/MATCH functions transform into database relationships:

One-to-Many: Customer to Orders (one customer, multiple orders)
Many-to-Many: Products to Categories (products in multiple categories)
One-to-One: Employee to Login (single credential per employee)
Self-Referential: Employee to Manager (hierarchical structures)

Adalo's built-in database supports complex relationships with visual relationship builders, eliminating the need for SQL knowledge while maintaining referential integrity.

Adding Business Logic and Automation to Your Excel App

Excel formulas and macros transform into powerful app automations that execute instantly across all devices. Modern platforms replicate and enhance spreadsheet logic through visual workflow builders.

Recreating Excel Formulas

Common Excel functions translate directly to app logic:

SUM/AVERAGE: Calculated properties aggregate collection data
IF/THEN: Conditional visibility and actions
VLOOKUP: Relationship properties link collections
CONCATENATE: Combine multiple fields dynamically
DATE Functions: Automated timestamps and calculations
COUNTIF: Filtered lists with real-time counts

Automation Workflows

Replace manual Excel processes with automated triggers:

Data Entry Validation: Prevent errors before submission
Email Notifications: Alert users of changes instantly
Approval Routing: Multi-level review processes
Zapier Automation: Connect 5,000+ external services
Scheduled Reports: Automated daily/weekly summaries
Backup Procedures: Regular data exports and archiving

Organizations save 250 hours per person annually through workflow automation, with high-impact use cases delivering even greater efficiency gains.

Publishing Your Excel-Based App to App Stores

Transform your Excel replacement from internal tool to published application accessible anywhere. Modern platforms handle complex submission processes while you focus on user experience.

iOS Publishing Requirements

Apple App Store deployment requires:

Developer Account: $99/year Apple Developer membership
App Assets: Icons, screenshots, descriptions
Privacy Policy: Required for data-collecting apps
Review Process: Apple says on average, 90% of submissions are reviewed in less than 24 hours; some take longer
Adalo iOS Publishing: Automated build and submission

Android Publishing Steps

Google Play Store process:

Developer Account: One-time $25 registration fee
Content Rating: IARC questionnaire completion
Target Audience: Age group and content declarations
Testing Requirements: Internal/closed testing recommended, plus content rating and policy requirements
Adalo Android Publishing: Direct APK/AAB generation

Web App Deployment

Instant web publishing without app store requirements:

Custom Domains: Professional URLs replacing platform subdomains
SSL Certificates: Automatic HTTPS security
Responsive Design: Automatic mobile/tablet optimization
SEO Configuration: Meta tags and sitemap generation
Progressive Web Apps: Installable web applications

Real-World Excel to App Success Stories in 2025

Small Business Case Studies

Inventory Management Transformation: A retail chain replaced 47 Excel spreadsheets with a unified inventory app, achieving 80% reduction in stock discrepancies. The app provides real-time stock levels across 12 locations, automated reorder alerts, and mobile barcode scanning—capabilities impossible with spreadsheets.

Field Service Revolution: HVAC company converted technician scheduling spreadsheets into a mobile app, resulting in 35% more daily service calls. Technicians access job details, capture signatures, and process payments directly through custom mobile apps.

Enterprise Solutions

Sales Tracking Platform: Fortune 500 company migrated complex sales forecasting Excel models to a no-code platform, enabling real-time pipeline visibility for 500+ sales representatives. Forrester reported a 206% three-year ROI with a payback period under six months for Microsoft Power Apps Premium (results vary).

Employee Scheduling System: Healthcare provider replaced manual shift scheduling, affecting 2,000 employees with an automated app, reducing scheduling conflicts by 95% and saving administrators 20 hours weekly.

Microsoft reports that every month, 25 million users benefit from solutions built with Power Apps.

Frequently Asked Questions: Building an App from Excel

Q: Can I import multiple Excel sheets into one app? Yes, modern no-code platforms support multi-table imports where each Excel sheet becomes a separate database collection. You can establish relationships between sheets using common identifiers (like customer IDs or order numbers). Adalo supports multiple collections; import limits vary by plan and may change—check current documentation before publishing. The key is properly structuring your Excel files beforehand with consistent primary keys across related sheets.

Q: How much does it cost to convert Excel to a mobile app? Conversion costs vary based on complexity and platform choice. Basic apps using free tiers cost nothing for up to 500 records. Professional deployments range from $45-250 monthly for platforms like Adalo, plus $99/year for iOS publishing and $25 one-time for Android. Compared to traditional development costing $50,000-250,000, no-code platforms deliver 90% cost savings while reducing development time from months to weeks.

Q: Will my Excel formulas work in a no-code app? Most Excel formulas translate directly to app logic, though implementation differs. Basic calculations (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT) become calculated properties. Complex formulas using IF/THEN logic transform into workflows and conditional actions. VLOOKUP functions convert to database relationships. Adalo supports custom formulas for advanced calculations, and Zapier integration enables connections to Excel Online for formulas requiring spreadsheet-specific functions. The result often exceeds Excel's capabilities through real-time execution across all devices.

Q: Do I need coding knowledge to build an app from Excel? With Adalo, no coding knowledge is required. 70% of new enterprise applications will use no-code technologies by 2025, precisely because they eliminate programming requirements. Visual interfaces replace code with drag-and-drop components, dropdown menus, and form-based configuration. Most users become productive after around 2 - 4 weeks of platform training. While technical understanding helps with complex integrations, business users successfully build functional apps daily using only their Excel knowledge and process expertise.

Q: How long does it take to build an app from Excel data? Simple apps launch within 2-4 hours using templates and direct CSV imports, medium complexity applications require 1-2 weeks, and enterprise solutions need 4-12 weeks—90% faster than traditional coding. Adalo accelerates this through its template marketplace, automatic CSV-to-database conversion, and pre-built component library that eliminates manual configuration. The platform's real-time preview and reusable components can reduce subsequent build times by 60-70%, with most delays coming from data preparation rather than actual building.