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Import XLSX spreadsheet to an InDesign table: the "-1" problem

  1. InDesign CS4 - CC2017

  2. Generate an Excel spreadsheet that contains at least one cell with the value "-1". Save as XLSX. Import/place (cmd-d) this file as "unformatted table".

  3. the cells with the value "-1" should still have this value.

  4. the cells are empty. All other values seem to show up correctly.

Additional information: Working regularly on Annual Reports with 100+ tables, our choice is to import as „unformatted table“ and to do all formatting in InDesign. After changes in Excel, all we have to do is updating the linked tables via the link panel. Table contents change, formatting stays. Perfect. But we are dependent on our clients still willing to use the outdated XLS format.

Please have a look at this problem! Thank you in advance.

Best regards

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  • Catel commented  ·   ·  Report

    Morning Adobe, this bug has NOT been fixed. I am using CC InDesign 16.4.2.

    When placing an xlsx file using UNFORMATTED TABLE any -1 or (1) DOES NOT appear.

    Also, when placing, using FORMATTED ONLY ONCE, it does appear until you need to relink/refresh to an updated xlsx file. It will then disappear.

    I am working on dozens of annual reports each year and my clients are loosing faith in Adobe InDesign/InCopy. It is imperative that what is in excel is appears exactly the same as InDesign/InCopy.

    Can you PLEASE revisit this problem, testing UNFORMATTED TABLE and relinking or refreshing the xlsx link.

    If I am inadvertently doing something wrong, please let me know.

    Thanking you in anticipation.

  • Glyn Szasz commented  ·   ·  Report

    Version: 16.4.2 and 17.2.1

    Import xlsx file into an InDesign document with -1 or (1) in a cell and set formating to be “Unformatted Table” the cells come in as blank. If imported as “Formated Table” the cell comes in as expected, -1 or (1). Also, when imported as “Formated Only Once” the first import is okay, but when refreshing the -1 or (1) disappears.
    Attached is my import options

  • Glyn Szasz commented  ·   ·  Report

    This is still an issue. When I import xlsx with -1 or (1) in a cell it comes in as blank. If I import xls into a document it comes perfectly fine.
    Within my excel import settings I am setting a sheet, cell range and telling the formating to be Unformatted. If I import as formated the table imports perfectly fine.
    In 2022 this is not acceptable having to use a format that is 14 years old. We are currently using 16.4.2.

  • Catel commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hi, I am using InDesign 16.4 and this issue is still persisting.
    As you can understand, when flowing/linking an annual report, we can't stop using -1 or (1) in xlsx.
    Desperately require a permanent fix.

  • PTerno commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hi,
    I have same "-1" problem with xlsx file (InD 2021 – 16.1)
    I try to save Excel file in old xls format and that fix the problem: InDesign import the right text content.

  • Anonymous commented  ·   ·  Report

    I am using the WordsFlow plugin to import .xlsx files and I have the same problem.

  • Daniel commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hello Adobe Team,

    the issue is still open at our side (version 15.1.1). Do you have any updates?

  • Daniel commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hello everyone,
    we face the same issue like Annika and John. By when do you assume to fix this issue?
    We are working with version 15.0.3.

  • Annika commented  ·   ·  Report

    I have the same problem as John Mortensen. I am working with financial reports and when placing Excel-tables in InDesign the cells with refers to another cell in Excel says "-1". When are you fixing this?

  • Ashley commented  ·   ·  Report

    I am also having an issue when relinking the excel sheet, the blank columns in excel fill in with -$1

  • John Mortensen commented  ·   ·  Report

    I still have an issue with this. When linking xlsx files to InDesign I receive a "-1" when the linked cell in Excel contains a formula that returns text from a cell in a different worksheet in the same workbook. Numbers come in just fine.

    InDesign ver 15.0.1 Win 10 workstation

  • Payal Awasthi commented  ·   ·  Report

    Hi,

    Thanks for reporting this issue.
    We have verified this issue and it is currently under review.

    -Payal

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