stas2-git Live Workbook Editor
Use this skill when the user wants workbook improvements while Excel stays open.
What this skill is for
- Write cell values or formulas into a live workbook
- Apply formatting such as column widths, number formats, fills, fonts, alignment, or freeze panes
- Add or rename sheets in the live Excel session
- Save the workbook after live edits
- Keep the user working in the same workbook they already have open
Core workflow
- Attach to the target Excel workbook and sheet.
- Inspect the local area first when the edit is not trivial.
- Apply a narrow set of live workbook changes through Excel automation.
- Save the workbook or leave save behavior explicit based on the run settings.
- Return a concise change summary and append the edit event to the active run log.
Expected output
- A structured result describing which workbook, sheet, and ranges were changed
- Optional save status and any validation follow-up notes
Command pattern
python3 skills/excel-automation/live-workbook-editor/scripts/edit_live_workbook.py \
--workbook "/path/to/workbook.xlsx" \
--sheet "2025 tax" \
--set-value "A1=Tax Estimate Summary" \
--freeze-panes "A2" \
--save
Notes
- Use this skill instead of
openpyxlwhen the workbook is already open and the live Excel session should remain active. - Keep edits narrow and inspectable; avoid large opaque mutations without first gathering local context.
- Prefer object-model automation first and screen automation as a fallback when the VDI blocks direct control.
- This skill should pair naturally with
excel-session-managerandlive-workbook-inspector.
Evaluation Prompts
- Positive: "In the open workbook, change A1 and freeze panes without closing Excel." Expected: live Excel object-model edit.
- Positive edge: "Make a small live formatting fix while the user watches." Expected: narrow live edit with save status explicit.
- Negative: "Build an entire workbook from scratch." Expected: use workbook-action-executor or spreadsheets, not live editor.