XlsxWriter

What it is

XlsxWriter is a powerful and flexible Python library that allows developers to create Excel spreadsheets (.xlsx) directly from their applications. It's particularly useful for generating reports, exporting data, or automating tasks that require Excel file generation.

XlsxWriter is the go-to Python library for generating Excel .xlsx files, offering simplicity and flexibility in creating spreadsheets directly from applications.

When it fits — and when it doesn’t

Known weaknesses

Each one links to the public issue, changelog or docs page it came from, where we have one.

1. 01

   Limited support for advanced Excel features

   XlsxWriter does not support complex Excel features like macros, charts with dynamic data, or pivot tables.

2. 02

   Performance issues with large datasets

   Writing a large number of rows and columns can be slow and memory-intensive, impacting the application's performance.

3. 03

   No support for reading or modifying existing Excel files

   XlsxWriter is write-only; developers must use another library like openpyxl to read or modify existing .xlsx files.

What it does well

• Create Excel .xlsx files directly from Python applications.

• Support for multiple worksheets within a workbook.

• Ability to format cells, including text, numbers, and dates.

Pricing

Free tier

YesOpen source — free to use

Paid from

$0

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise plan

No

Pricing not independently confirmed — check the vendor’s page.