Spreadsheet XLSX Edit

Metadata

• Trigger when: the task is to create or edit .xlsx files without breaking formulas, styles, sheet structure, or references.
• Do not use when: the job is mainly aggregation, joins, filtering, or analysis over CSV/TSV/tabular data.

Skill Purpose

Make targeted .xlsx changes with openpyxl while preserving workbook integrity instead of flattening the file into disposable data.

Instructions

1. Inspect the workbook first: target sheets, named ranges, formulas, styles, and the exact cells or structures that need to change. Use openpyxl and consult ~/.codex/skills/spreadsheet/references/examples/openpyxl only when you need a concrete pattern.
2. Apply the minimal workbook change that satisfies the task while preserving formulas, references, merged cells, widths, formatting, and sheet structure. Save the result under a stable descriptive path such as output/spreadsheet/.
3. Validate formulas, references, number/date formats, and visible layout. If layout matters and soffice plus pdftoppm are available, render for visual review; otherwise state that local eyeballing is still needed.

Non-Negotiable Acceptance Criteria

• Existing formatting is preserved unless the user explicitly asked for redesign.
• Derived cells remain formulas when formulas are the correct source of truth.
• Structural workbook changes are intentional and explicit; no silent sheet damage or broken refs.
• If formula evaluation or visual rendering cannot be fully verified in this environment, that caveat is stated clearly.

Output

• The final workbook path.
• Any render artifact path used for visual validation.
• A short note on formulas, style preservation, and remaining validation caveats.
• Next skill options (only if needed): $spreadsheet-tabular-analysis — use when the task turns into aggregation, joins, or reshaping rather than workbook-preserving edits.