OpenAI is reportedly working on native support for Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and PowerPoint (.pptx) file formats within ChatGPT, according to The Information. While users can currently generate such files via text and download them, the new upgrade could allow real-time editing and interaction directly inside ChatGPT’s interface, including Canvas mode.
This update would bridge the gap between text-based file generation and functional document editing, letting users insert formulas, animations, and visual elements within Excel and PowerPoint-like environments.
What’s Coming
- Native .xlsx and .pptx support: Users may soon be able to create and edit Excel and PowerPoint files directly in ChatGPT.
- Canvas expansion: Editing spreadsheet or presentation layouts in Canvas could be possible, beyond plain-text mode.
- Full Excel/PowerPoint functionality: Visuals, animations, and formulas could be incorporated, unlike current plain text outputs.
- AI-powered agent for reports: OpenAI is said to be building a tool that gathers public or corporate data to automatically generate reports in office-compatible formats.
- Open file formats: Microsoft’s open-source status of these formats allows OpenAI to use them freely without legal concerns.
There’s no confirmed launch date yet, but the goal is to reduce user dependency on Microsoft Office while making ChatGPT a more robust productivity tool.