What are the limitations of XLSREAD when run in 'basic' mode?

I am unable to invoke Microsoft Excel as an automation server. As a result, I must use XLSREAD in 'basic' mode. I would like to know the limitations of XLSREAD when running in 'basic' mode.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

On Windows systems with Microsoft Excel software, "xlsread" reads any file format recognized by your version of Excel.

If your system does not have Excel for Windows, "xlsread" operates in "basic" import mode.

Flag to request reading in 'basic' mode, specified as the literal string, 'basic'

'basic' mode is the default for systems without Excel for Windows. In 'basic' mode, "xlsread"

• Reads XLS, XLSX, XLSM, XLTX, and XLTM files only.
• Does not support an 'xlRange' input when reading XLS files. In this case, use '' in place of 'xlRange'.
• Does not support function handle inputs.
• Imports all dates as Excel serial date numbers. Excel serial date numbers use a different reference date than MATLAB date numbers

The appropriate syntax for using "xlsread" in 'basic' mode may be found in the following documentation page:

http://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/xlsread.html

You may access the same page locally by typing the following at the MATLAB prompt:

web(fullfile(docroot, 'matlab/ref/xlsread.html'))