> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.crefi.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting Started with the Excel Add-in

> Install and set up CREFI inside Microsoft Excel

The CREFI Excel Add-in works with Microsoft Excel on Windows and Mac (Excel 2016 or later, or Microsoft 365).

## Installation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Excel">
    Open Microsoft Excel and any workbook (or create a new one).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to the Add-ins menu">
    Click **Insert** in the ribbon, then click **My Add-ins** (or **Office Add-ins** on some versions).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the CREFI add-in">
    Search for **CREFI** in the store, or use the link provided by your administrator for a custom deployment. Click **Add**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in">
    The CREFI taskpane will open on the right side of Excel. Sign in with your CREFI account credentials. Your session is authenticated securely -- you won't need to sign in again unless your session expires.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## First Use

Once signed in, you'll see a chat interface in the taskpane. This works just like the CREFI web chat, but with direct access to your spreadsheet.

Try a few things to get started:

### Read your spreadsheet

Ask CREFI to read and summarize what's in your workbook:

* *"What sheets are in this workbook?"*
* *"Summarize the data in the Rent Roll sheet"*
* *"What's in cells A1 through D10?"*

### Make changes

Ask CREFI to write data or formulas:

* *"Put the headers Property, Units, Price, Cap Rate in row 1"*
* *"Add a SUM formula for the total in cell D20"*
* *"Format column C as currency"*

### Ask questions about your data

* *"What's the average rent per unit on this sheet?"*
* *"Which units have leases expiring in the next 6 months?"*
* *"Search for any cells containing 'vacancy'"*

## Tips

<Tip>
  **Be specific about locations.** When asking CREFI to read or write cells, mention the sheet name and cell range. For example: "Read cells A1:F50 on the T-12 sheet."
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Let CREFI see your data first.** Before asking analytical questions, let CREFI read the relevant range. It works best when it has the full picture.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **Review changes before proceeding.** CREFI highlights affected cells and explains what it changed. Take a moment to verify before moving on.
</Tip>