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First Steps

OctoMesh provides an Excel add-in that allows you to interact with your data in Excel.

We provide the following features in the Excel add-in:

  • Query: Based on an OctoMesh System Query, you can query data from your OctoMesh system, insert or update the data in Excel, and push the changes back to the OctoMesh system.
  • Insert: We have implemented several import algorithms to import Tree data from Excel from standard work sheets.
  • Enums: Manage data of dynamic enums by inserting enum data and modify it.

Installation​

The Microsoft Office Manifest file defines the add-in and its settings. The manifest file is used to install the add-in in Microsoft 365 Admin Center or to side-load the add-in locally. To download the manifest file, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Website of the OctoMesh Add-In, located at https://office.meshmakers.cloud.
  2. Click on the "Download" button to download the manifest file or copy the URL to the manifest file.
  3. Follow the steps from Microsoft to register the Add-In in Microsoft 365 Admin Center.

To install the OctoMesh Excel add-in, follow these steps:

  1. Open Excel.
  2. Go to the Start tab.
  3. Click on the Office Add-ins button and select tab "Managed by your organization".
  4. In the Office Add-ins dialog, search for OctoMesh.
  5. Click on the Add button to install the OctoMesh add-in.

Install the add-in locally using side-loading or from a network share​

note

The side-loading method is intended for testing and development purposes only. For production deployment, use the Microsoft 365 Admin Center method described above. We work for an official publication of the add-in in the Microsoft AppSource.

Network Share Installation​

1. Create Network Share (Administrator)​

  1. Create a folder for the add-in:

    C:\AddInShare\OctoMesh

  2. Right-click the folder → Properties → Sharing tab → Advanced Sharing

  3. Check "Share this folder"

    • Share name: OctoMesh-AddIn
    • Permissions: Set "Read" for "Everyone" (or specific user group)

  4. Note the network path: \\[SERVER-NAME]\OctoMesh-AddIn

  5. Copy manifest.xml to this folder

2. Configure Excel to Trust the Network Share (Each User)​

  1. Open Excel → File → Options → Trust Center → Trust Center Settings

  2. Select Trusted Add-in Catalogs

  3. Add the catalog:

    • Catalog URL: \\[SERVER-NAME]\OctoMesh-AddIn
    • Description: OctoMesh Add-in
    • Check "Show in Menu"
    • Click Add catalog

  4. Click OK and restart Excel

3. Install the Add-in (Each User)​
  1. Insert → Get Add-ins (or "My Add-ins")
  2. Select SHARED FOLDER tab
  3. Select the OctoMesh add-in → Add

Alternative: File Share URL​

If using a web server instead of network share:

  • Catalog URL: https://your-server.com/addins/
  • Place manifest.xml in that directory

Troubleshooting​

  • Add-in not visible: Verify network path is accessible via Windows Explorer
  • Trust Center blocked: May require IT admin to adjust group policies
  • Updates: Changes to manifest.xml are reflected after Excel restart

Additional Resources​

Getting Started​

After installing the OctoMesh Excel add-in, you can start using it by following these steps:

  • Open Excel.
  • Click on the OctoMesh tab.
  • Click on the "Connect" button to connect to your OctoMesh system.
  • Enter your OctoMesh Admin Panel URL, enter a valid name of your tenant and click on the "Connect" button.
  • After connecting to the OctoMesh system, you can start querying data from your OctoMesh system.

Features​

  • Query: Query data from your OctoMesh system, using an OctoMesh System Query.
  • Insert: Insert data into your OctoMesh system, using different importer types
  • Enums: Edit dynamic enums in your OctoMesh system.