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Getting started

Python for Excel has two distinct workflows: authoring an application and operating one that someone else authored.

I am building an application​

1. Install the add-in​

Install Python for Excel from Microsoft AppSource, then open the Boardflare task pane.

No separate desktop Python installation is required. The notebook runs Python through Pyodide in the browser environment used by the Office add-in.

2. Open the Notebook tab​

A workbook without saved notebook source starts from the bundled notebook shell. Until you save, that starter remains a default source rather than durable workbook content.

3. Declare workbook inputs​

import boardflare as bf

inputs = bf.inputs(
    assumptions=bf.ref("Assumptions!A1:B8", headers=True),
    scenario="Assumptions!D2",
)
inputs

The displayed input widget keeps the notebook subscribed to workbook changes. Downstream reactive cells rerun when referenced values change.

4. Build normal reactive cells​

Use ordinary Python, marimo UI components, and compatible browser packages. Prefer explicit data flow between cells instead of hidden mutable notebook state.

5. Publish application outputs​

bf.publish(
    outputs={"summary": summary, "forecast": forecast_table},
    functions={"price_scenario": price_scenario},
)

Excel can consume them with:

=BF.OUTPUT("summary")
=BF.FUNCTION("price_scenario", A1, B1)

6. Save and choose startup mode​

Use the Boardflare Save control. The save path writes notebook source and the saved startup preference to workbook storage and verifies the stored content.

Choose whether the workbook should normally open in Edit or Run mode.

7. Test the cold-start path​

Before sharing, close and reopen the workbook and verify that published formulas resolve without requiring you to manually start the notebook editor.

Someone sent me an application​

1. Install Boardflare​

You need the Python for Excel add-in, but you do not need a separate Python installation or development environment.

2. Trust the workbook and its author​

A notebook-enabled workbook contains executable Python. Run only workbooks from sources you trust and follow your organization's policy for external services and sensitive data.

3. Open the workbook​

If the author saved Run as the startup preference, Boardflare opens the notebook as an operator-oriented application surface. Worksheet formulas may show Excel's normal busy state while the runtime initializes.

4. Use the application​

Change the worksheet assumptions and notebook controls the author exposed. Published outputs and functions recalculate from the live notebook session.

5. If something fails​

Use Troubleshooting for startup, network, package, output, and saved-source issues. If the problem is specific to the workbook's business logic, contact the workbook author.

Open the web demo and select Revenue Command Center. It demonstrates worksheet assumptions, reactive notebook UI, Monte Carlo forecasting, BF.OUTPUT(), and BF.FUNCTION().