Get the answers you need to common questions about using the Preqin for Excel plugin. For a detailed guide on how to get started and use the Excel Plugin, take a look at our article here.
What is Preqin for Excel?
As part of the Preqin Anywhere offering, Preqin for Excel is available to Preqin customers via the online Microsoft Office 365 Excel App, Excel Desktop Client, or Excel App. It allows users to pull Preqin data directly from any of their Excel spreadsheets, thus removing the need to manually export data from Preqin Pro to import it into Excel.
Which data and features are available via Preqin for Excel?
Preqin for Excel has several key features:
Data Loader
Preqin ID Lookup
Formula Builder
What is the difference between our APIs Products and Preqin for Excel?
Preqin’s APIs typically provide more integration into a system and require a technical resource. The client need not have Pro access to consume Preqin’s data via API. Preqin for Excel allows the user to access Preqin data directly into excel worksheets. It is an easy and ready-to-use Excel tool without a need for a technical resource.
Does the plugin support Mac?
We do not support the MacOS desktop version of Excel at this stage but may look at this in the future. Users with Macs should use the online version (Chrome is the recommended browser).
How can a user download Preqin for Excel?
There are two ways a user can download the plugin:
Via the MS Store that can be accessed in Excel. Go to the Insert tab > Get Add-ins
Alternatively, Preqin can share the manifest file with a user, this can either be installed locally or shared with an internal IT and added to multiple accounts
More information on these steps can be found in the installation guide.
Note:
Do I need to have a new file or refresh it with new releases?
It will vary by release. But in many cases yes, to avail of new features users will require a new manifest file. Preqin for Excel is backward compatible (we will support the latest 3 versions) so if you do not immediately update, you will not lose access.
What if my excel version/software does not meet the system requirements listed in the install Guide?
If your version of Excel does not meet system requirements, the plugin will not work. In most cases, you would not be able to install the plugin. In this case, we would recommend using Excel Online if possible.
It seems my admin is blocking the self-install of Excel Plug-In. What should I do?
This is a common blocker for large firms. Please contact your internal admin/IT support team who can advise on the next steps.
I’ve pulled in a saved search via the data loader. Will this data/list refresh automatically now?
Data will not automatically refresh; the user must action a refresh or loading of a sheet.
What is the difference(s) between refreshing an existing list in an existing tab vs. loading the same list in a separate, new tab?
The refresh function is an easy way to update an existing sheet as opposed to creating a new sheet, note: it will overwrite the data. The refresh tool also shows an audit trail of when the data was last updated – therefore showing at which date the data was accurate.
Can I pull in benchmarks via the data loader?
PC/HF Custom Benchmarks only.
What happens if I change the name of a loaded Saved Search or Target List in Excel?
This will prevent you from being able to refresh data.
What happens if I change the name of Target List, Custom Benchmark or Saved Search in Preqin Pro?
If you change name of Saved Search or Target List in Pro, the Excel plugin will load a new sheet with that name.
Why are special characters in my list of Target Lists/Saved Searches names not appearing in the Excel plugin?
Special characters are not supported as part of Excel Sheet tab names. If your Saved Search or Target List has any of these, the Excel plugin will remove them when creating the new sheet:
Which columns will be available when loading a Target List via the Preqin for Excel plugin?
Target lists only show the default columns in Pro in ‘My Lists.’ If you add new columns via ‘Manage Column’ in Pro, they will disappear when refreshing or logging out, reverting to the default columns. We are aware of this and looking at updating this functionality.
