Introduction to NExS.app
The NExS.app worksheet is the control center for your NExS application. It’s a special worksheet in your Excel file that tells NExS how to present your spreadsheet on the web.
Why NExS.app Matters
Without a NExS.app worksheet, your Excel file is just a spreadsheet. With it, you gain control over:
- What users see — Define which cells are visible and which stay hidden
- What users can edit — Specify exactly which cells accept user input
- Web-specific features — Add charts, sliders, buttons, and other interactive elements that don’t exist in Excel
Think of it as the bridge between your Excel calculations and a polished web application.
Basic Structure
The NExS.app worksheet uses a hierarchical format:
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | app | My Calculator | |
| 2 | view | Sheet1!A1:F20 | |
| 3 | editable | Sheet1!B2 |
- Column A contains section headers (
app,view) - Column B contains the section value OR option names
- Column C contains option values
The editable in row 3 is an option of the view defined in row 2—that’s why column A is empty. Options belong to the section above them.
What You Can Configure
The NExS.app worksheet lets you configure:
| Feature | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Views | Which cell ranges are visible to users |
| Editable Cells | Which cells accept user input |
| Charts | Interactive charts that update with your data |
| UI Components | Sliders, LED indicators, and buttons |
| Deployment Mode | Who can access your app and how data is shared |
Creating Your First NExS.app Worksheet
- Open your Excel workbook
- Add a new worksheet
- Rename it to
NExS.app(spelling and punctuation matter) - Add your configuration in columns A, B, and C
Minimal Example
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | app | Rate Calculator | |
| 2 | view | Calculator!A1:D10 | |
| 3 | editable | Calculator!B2 |
This creates an app that:
- Shows cells A1:D10 from the “Calculator” sheet
- Lets users edit cell B2
- Keeps your formulas protected and hidden
What’s Next
The following sections cover each feature in detail:
- Views & Layouts — Control what users see, work with multiple views, and handle navigation
- Inputs & Forms — Make cells editable, add validation, and build forms
- Charts — Add interactive charts that update automatically
- UI Components — Add sliders, LED indicators, and buttons
- Deployment Modes — Control access and data sharing
For a complete reference of all configuration options, see the NExS.app Worksheet Reference.