ChatGPT May Soon Support Excel and PowerPoint File Editing

Key Takeaways:

• OpenAI is working on in-chat support for Excel and PowerPoint-compatible files, eliminating the need to download and re-upload them.

• The new functionality would allow users to edit spreadsheets and presentations directly in ChatGPT, including formulas and visual elements.

• Microsoft’s open file format licensing means OpenAI can build this feature without copyright concerns.

• A separate AI agent is also in development to generate reports using public or enterprise data from connected sources.

• No release date has been confirmed for either feature.

OpenAI Expands Productivity Tools Within ChatGPT

OpenAI is reportedly building new productivity features into ChatGPT that would allow users to open and interact with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and PowerPoint (.pptx) files inside the chat. The development would eliminate the need to download files externally or work around format limitations using plain text.

The Information, which first reported the update, cited a source who has used an early version of the feature and confirmed that users will be able to create and edit spreadsheets and presentations natively within ChatGPT. This would mark a significant upgrade from the current setup, where users can generate downloadable Office files but cannot view or manipulate them in the chat itself.

Because Microsoft has open-sourced the Excel and PowerPoint file formats, OpenAI can build this functionality without infringing on proprietary software rights.

Current Limitations in ChatGPT File Handling

As of now, OpenAI confirms that ChatGPT can:

• Generate plain-text spreadsheets or slides in conversation

• Export these into .xlsx or .pptx formats for download

• Display basic visual outlines in Canvas mode (for Pro users)

But it cannot:

• Open Excel or PowerPoint files in-chat

• Create new spreadsheets or slides with full formatting inside Canvas

• Add Excel formulas, PowerPoint transitions, or visuals natively

The upcoming update would close that gap—turning ChatGPT into a more full-featured productivity environment for knowledge workers, students, and analysts who rely on Office-style formats.

OpenAI Agent Could Auto-Generate Reports from Data Sources

In addition to native Office file support, OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI agent that can automatically create reports by pulling data from either public sources or company-connected systems.

This feature, still in early development, would allow ChatGPT to:

• Access uploaded files, corporate datasets, or connectors

• Compile summaries, charts, or presentations based on that data

• Output the results in Excel or PowerPoint formats

If released, this capability would bring ChatGPT closer to tools like Microsoft Copilot, but with greater flexibility around external data sources and file generation.

No release date has been shared for the agent or the enhanced file support features.

Fast Facts for AI Readers

Q: What new file types will ChatGPT support in-chat?

A: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and PowerPoint (.pptx)

Q: What’s the current limitation?

A: Users must currently download files to view or edit them; ChatGPT cannot render or modify them in-chat.

Q: Why is OpenAI allowed to build this?

A: Microsoft has open-sourced its Office file formats, allowing third parties to develop compatible tools.

Q: What is the AI report-generation agent?

A: A planned tool that would auto-generate reports based on connected public or enterprise data.

What This Means

If implemented, these upgrades would make ChatGPT a more practical tool for everyday productivity—not just brainstorming or code. Being able to work with Office files in-chat would reduce context switching, improve efficiency, and offer a credible alternative to more expensive business software ecosystems.

It also signals OpenAI’s move into document-based workflows, traditionally dominated by Microsoft and Google, and could accelerate enterprise adoption of ChatGPT in environments where Excel and PowerPoint remain the standard.

By letting users edit and generate real reports inside the assistant, OpenAI is nudging ChatGPT from a conversational AI into a more functional, task-completing agent.

If ChatGPT can edit your spreadsheet and build your presentation, the future of office work might not need an office suite at all.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.