Even when it comes to viewing spreadsheets, our mobile devices are more capable than ever before, but they're still not perfect. For example, your iPhone may preview a spreadsheet attached to an email without a specific app, but there's no guarantee that it will appear exactly as it did on the sender's monitor.
Sometimes specialized software is needed to get the job done right. Fortunately, there are several different applications that are capable of opening spreadsheets and helping you make your edits. Here are the best of the bunch.
To edit a spreadsheet on your smartphone, you'll want to download one of the apps listed below. However, if you only need to view the document, you may be able to use built-in tools.
The latest Android devices come preloaded with Google Play Services, which includes Google Drive. You should be able to open Excel files natively Access your files from anywhere with Google Drive [Android] Access your files from anywhere with Google Drive [Android] If you use Google Drive on your computer and own an Android smartphone or tablet , you must install Google Drive for Android. With the app, you can access files on your Google Drive... Read More if not, check out one of the apps featured in this article.
Android users have many ways to transfer files to your device Move Files from Mac to Android No Android File Transfer Move Files from Mac to Android No Android File Transfer If you need to transfer files between your Android device and Mac computer, these tools make it quick and easy. Read More However, it is still relatively easy to open documents that are sent to you as an email attachment.
Just open the attachment from the Mail app, then tap the button in the bottom right corner.
This will present you with some advanced options. Scroll through the center bar of icons to find the app you want. You will be able to import the content to your chosen editor.
Of course, the apps themselves offer other methods of opening files. The examples in this article even support cloud-based file storage. This is just a quick and easy way to receive and open a spreadsheet from another user on iOS.
The spreadsheet you're trying to view was most likely created with Excel, so why not use the same program for true continuity?
Microsoft made no secret of its intention to bring the mobile device closer to the desktop experience with the release of Windows 10, and many improvements were made to the Office suite as part of this effort. While previous mobile apps were very limited compared to the desktop version, the current Excel app for iOS and Android is very robust.
However, there is a caveat:while the app itself is free, its capabilities depend on the type of Office subscription you have access to. Basic functionality is available to all users, but more advanced features require an active Office 365 membership How to see if your Office 365 subscription is active How to see if your Office 365 subscription is active Not sure if you've activated your subscription to Office 365? Do you want to check it and make sure? Here is how to do it easily. Read more.
A major drawback of the Excel application is its size. At over 400 MB, it's perhaps too large for users who work with a limited amount of storage space. That said, it stands head and shoulders above its competition in terms of its desktop client compatibility, its feature set, and its overall level of refinement.
Download - Microsoft Excel for Android (Free with in-app purchases), Microsoft Excel for iOS (Free with in-app purchases)
In terms of free Office competitors, no one can really compete with Google. The company's services are available on all platforms, including a powerful web-based client, making them highly accessible. What's more, your collaboration options are neck and neck with Microsoft's departure.
The Google Sheets app is a very capable spreadsheet viewer and editor for smartphones and tablets. To an even greater extent than the Excel application, its functionality has been adapted for use on a smaller screen size. This is particularly useful if you are using your phone.
The biggest benefit of using Google Sheets is its strong link to the broader Google ecosystem. It's easy to access files from your Drive 7 Essential Google Drive Storage Tips You Need to Read Again 7 Essential Google Drive Storage Tips You Need to Read Again You may not know everything about Google Drive. These seven essential Google Drive tips should help you reap the full benefits of the productivity suite. Read More Multiple users can even work together on the same spreadsheet at the same time.
Download - Google Sheets for Android (free), Google Sheets for iOS (free)
While Citrix isn't a household name on the Microsoft and Google level, the business communications giant shows off its workplace savvy with the QuickEdit app. This piece of software allows you to view and edit Excel spreadsheets for free, and its highly refined interface may suit some users better than the other apps featured above.
QuickEdit dedicates as much screen space as possible to the spreadsheet. To enable this, minimalist icons offer easy access to a wide range of features. A button in the upper right corner makes sure the keyboard is accessible at all times. Meanwhile, a small, swipe-enabled toolbar at the bottom of the screen contains quick links to formatting functionality, save and load operations, and a host of other essentials.
The app's biggest flaw is its dated visual appearance. We expect business software to be a bit harsh, but spreadsheets just look less appealing here than in other applications. On the other hand, they are perfectly clear and legible, even if they are not that attractive.
Download - Citrix QuickEdit for iOS (free)
Do you have any recommendations for a particular spreadsheet viewer for iOS and Android? Or are you having trouble with one of the apps in this guide? You can ask for help, or offer assistance, in the comments section below.
