xlwings Lite Data Importer v2 Released

Published: January 17, 2026

xlwings Lite Data Importer

Now import any file type, any size (tested up to 1.2GB) into xlwings Lite with options for raw import, auto conversion to DuckDB, token based vs. shareable link.

v2 removes three major limitations in v1: support for data files only, their forced conversion to DuckDB and downloads via shareable links only.

What's New in v2

Import any file as-is - PDFs, images, ZIPs, data files. Process as-is. Or auto-convert data files (CSV, JSON, SQLite) to DuckDB. Your choice.

New download option added - token-based access (fully private, one-time setup). Dropbox, Google Drive, GitHub. Based on token access pattern from Ruud van der Ham's xlwings_utils package. You can now use shareable links (fast, less secure) or token based (one-time setup, fully secure) - your choice.

Using the Tool

The tool code is largish to handle multiple import options, user interactions, error handling, dashboards. Best way to use it - cannibalize it - extract what you need, discard the rest.

Top tip - for large CSV/TXT, convert to Parquet first (just have your AI coder do it, or do it in Jupyter, Colab, or in-browser with Duckit App). Faster load, faster queries.

Setup Guides

CORS proxy & token setup guides: simple explanations of what they are and why we need it. Step-by-step for DIY or give to your AI Coder - includes AI instructions. It will set it up for you and prompt you where human help is required.

Resources

xlwings Lite official site: lite.xlwings.org