Is it possible to embed an Excel pivot table on a published dashboard (for external viewing)?

Ami Veltrie

I have an Excel pivot table I'd like to surface on a published dashboard, for external viewing.

I shared the Excel file using Share -> Embed to get the link, and then I added it to the dashboard using a "Web Content" widget. However, it's not working. It displays to external users as shown below.

Anyone know how to do this correctly?

Ray Lindstrom

Hi @Ami Veltrie,

I believe you have already done it right. This is a restriction by Microsoft. The thing is with MS you have to have a license to open/view files (with the exception of the file viewer plugin that can be installed in place of having a license). This applies even when viewing the file through a 3rd party.

Have you tried signing in to view the Excel file?

Ami Veltrie

Hi @Ray Lindstrom

Yes, I'm the creator of the Excel file and the dashboard, where the web content widget resides. I can see the content just fine. It's the 'published' dashboard, viewed by external users, that is the issue. They cannot see the widget content.

Ray Lindstrom

Hi @Ami Veltrie,

That's because when you're logged into Smartsheet, Microsoft (via the dashboard widget) recognizes (via your browser) that you're logged in and allows the file to be displayed. If another user wanted to see the widget on the dashboard, they would have to be logged into their office account. If someone is already logged into their office account when landing on the dashboard, I would expect the widget to display.

If you want to make a scrubbed copy of the file, publish it, and provide me with the link; I would be happy to test it.