Convert Typst to XLSX

Why Convert Typst to XLSX?

Converting Typst documents to XLSX extracts tabular data from typeset academic papers and technical reports into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for advanced data analysis. Typst's #table() function and scripting capabilities allow authors to embed rich data tables that, when converted to XLSX, become fully functional spreadsheets with proper data types and formatting.

Researchers frequently need to share data from publications in a format that colleagues can analyze, chart, and extend. While Typst produces beautifully formatted tables in PDF output, XLSX format allows recipients to sort, filter, create pivot tables, and perform statistical calculations on the extracted data without manual re-entry.

Typst's scripting language enables computed tables where values are calculated from variables and expressions. The Typst-to-XLSX conversion captures these computed results as spreadsheet values, enabling further analysis in Excel. Numerical data is preserved as numbers (not text strings), allowing immediate use of Excel's formula engine.

For meta-analyses and systematic reviews, converting data tables from multiple Typst publications into XLSX format enables consolidation in a single spreadsheet. Researchers can combine results from different studies, perform cross-study statistical analysis, and generate charts comparing findings across publications.

Key Benefits of Converting Typst to XLSX:

• Data Analysis: Use Excel formulas, charts, and pivot tables
• Type Preservation: Numbers remain as numbers, not text strings
• Universal Format: Compatible with Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice
• Data Sharing: Share research data in the most common spreadsheet format
• Visualization: Create charts and graphs from extracted data
• Automation: Process with openpyxl, pandas, or VBA macros
• Meta-Analysis: Consolidate data from multiple publications

Practical Examples

Example 1: Research Results to Spreadsheet

Input Typst file (results.typ):

== Model Performance

#table(
  columns: 4,
  [*Model*],  [*Precision*], [*Recall*], [*F1*],
  [BERT],     [0.942],       [0.938],    [0.940],
  [GPT-2],    [0.915],       [0.903],    [0.909],
  [XLNet],    [0.951],       [0.947],    [0.949],
)

Output XLSX file (results.xlsx):

Excel spreadsheet containing:
- Header row: Model, Precision, Recall, F1
- 3 data rows with numeric values
- Numbers formatted as decimals (not text)
- Ready for charting and analysis
- Can add formulas like =AVERAGE(B2:B4)
- Sortable and filterable columns

Example 2: Computed Financial Data

Input Typst file (budget.typ):

#let quarters = (
  (q: "Q1", rev: 150000, cost: 120000),
  (q: "Q2", rev: 180000, cost: 130000),
  (q: "Q3", rev: 210000, cost: 145000),
  (q: "Q4", rev: 195000, cost: 140000),
)

#table(
  columns: 4,
  [Quarter], [Revenue], [Costs], [Profit],
  ..quarters.map(d => (
    d.q, str(d.rev), str(d.cost),
    str(d.rev - d.cost),
  )).flatten()
)

Output XLSX file (budget.xlsx):

Excel spreadsheet containing:
- Headers: Quarter, Revenue, Costs, Profit
- Q1-Q4 data with computed profits
- Numeric values ready for SUM(), AVERAGE()
- Can create bar/line charts instantly
- Suitable for financial reporting
- Add conditional formatting for targets

Example 3: Survey Data Extraction

Input Typst file (survey.typ):

= User Satisfaction Survey

#table(
  columns: 3,
  [*Category*],   [*Score (1-5)*], [*Responses*],
  [Ease of Use],  [4.2],           [342],
  [Performance],  [3.8],           [329],
  [Features],     [4.5],           [315],
  [Support],      [4.1],           [298],
  [Value],        [3.9],           [308],
)

Output XLSX file (survey.xlsx):

Excel spreadsheet containing:
- Category, Score, and Responses columns
- Decimal scores and integer counts
- Ready for AVERAGE, STDEV calculations
- Create radar/bar charts for visualization
- Pivot table analysis by category
- Weighted average calculations possible

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which Typst content is converted to XLSX?

A: The conversion extracts data from Typst #table() functions. Each table becomes a worksheet with proper headers and data rows. Numerical values are stored as Excel numbers (not text), enabling immediate use of formulas and charts. Non-tabular content like paragraphs is not included.

Q: Are numbers preserved as numeric values?

A: Yes. The converter identifies numeric data in table cells and stores them as Excel number types. This means you can immediately use SUM(), AVERAGE(), and other Excel functions on the converted data without needing to convert text-to-number first.

Q: Can I open the XLSX in Google Sheets?

A: Yes. XLSX is universally supported by Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, Apple Numbers, and virtually every spreadsheet application. The converted file opens correctly in all these applications with proper data types and formatting preserved.

Q: How are multiple tables in one document handled?

A: When a Typst document contains multiple #table() elements, each table can be placed on a separate worksheet within the XLSX file. This keeps data organized and allows independent analysis of each dataset while maintaining all data in a single file.

Q: Are Typst's scripted/computed values included?

A: Yes. Values computed through Typst scripting (#let, expressions, .map()) are evaluated before conversion. The XLSX file contains the final computed values, not the Typst code. This means calculated profits, averages, or any other computed data appears as ready-to-use spreadsheet values.

Q: Can I process the XLSX with Python or R?

A: Yes. Python's openpyxl and pandas libraries read XLSX natively (pd.read_excel("file.xlsx")). R's readxl package provides read_xlsx(). This enables automated data pipelines from Typst publications to statistical analysis.

Q: Is cell formatting preserved?

A: Basic formatting like header bold text is preserved. The XLSX output includes a formatted header row with bold text and appropriate column widths. For custom formatting, percentages, and currency display, you can adjust the cell formats in Excel after conversion.

Q: What about Typst math in table cells?

A: Mathematical expressions in table cells are converted to their text or numeric equivalents. Simple values like $ 3.14 $ become the number 3.14 in Excel. Complex formulas are stored as text strings. For pure numerical data, the conversion is seamless and preserves full numeric precision.