Assistant for Excel

Your AI-powered spreadsheet companion

Download Manifest File

Click the button below to download the manifest file needed for installation:

The manifest file will be downloaded with a .download.xml extension to avoid browser interception. Simply rename it to manifest.xml after downloading.

Method 1: Manual Sideload

Best for individual users and testing. Users manually upload the manifest file to Excel.

Desktop Excel (Windows/Mac)

  1. Download the manifest.xml file using the button above
  2. Open Microsoft Excel
  3. Go to Insert tab → Add-ins → My Add-ins
  4. Click Upload My Add-in
  5. Select the downloaded manifest.xml file
  6. Click Upload

Excel Online (Web)

The same steps work for Excel Online. Navigate to Insert → Add-ins → My Add-ins → Upload My Add-in

Verify Installation

  1. Open any Excel workbook
  2. Look for the AI Assistant group in the Home tab
  3. Click Compass AI Chat to open the assistant

Method 2: Centralized Deployment

Best for organizations deploying to all users. Requires Microsoft 365 admin access.

Admin Access Required

This method requires Microsoft 365 administrator privileges. Contact your IT department if you don't have access.

Deployment Steps

  1. Download the manifest.xml file
  2. Go to Microsoft 365 Admin Center
  3. Navigate to Settings → Integrated apps
  4. Click Upload custom apps
  5. Upload the manifest.xml file
  6. Configure deployment settings:
    • Select users/groups to deploy to
    • Choose deployment type (automatic or user-initiated)
  7. Click Deploy

User Experience

Once deployed, the add-in will automatically appear in users' Excel applications. No manual installation needed.

Method 3: Shared Network Catalog

Best for teams or departments without admin access. Uses a shared network location or SharePoint.

Setup Steps

  1. Place the manifest.xml file on a shared network location or SharePoint library
  2. Note the full URL or UNC path to the manifest file
  3. Share this path with your team members

User Configuration

Each user needs to add the catalog location once:

  1. Open Excel and go to File → Options
  2. Select Trust Center → Trust Center Settings
  3. Click Trusted Add-in Catalogs
  4. In the Catalog Url field, enter the shared location URL
  5. Check Show in Menu
  6. Click Add catalog then OK

After Configuration

The add-in will appear in Insert → My Add-ins under the shared catalog section.

Need Help?

For support or questions, visit Compass Agentic Platform