Artificial Intelligence

Report: OpenAI Building ChatGPT Support for Excel, PowerPoint Files

JUL 16 2025·Updated JUL 17 2025

Story

Above: OpenAI and Microsoft's logos. Image credit: Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Facts

OpenAI is developing new productivity features for ChatGPT that will allow users to create and edit Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations directly within the chatbot interface, eliminating the need to use Microsoft's applications.
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According to a report published by The Information on Tuesday, the AI company has embedded buttons beneath the ChatGPT search bar to guide users in launching a spreadsheet or presentation workflow, with files remaining compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
The Information
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OpenAI can develop these features without Microsoft's permission because the company has made Excel (.xlsx) and PowerPoint (.pptx) file formats open source, avoiding any copyright infringement issues.
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The company is also building AI agents capable of handling multi-step tasks such as generating comprehensive reports from public or corporate data, scheduling appointments and performing basic web navigation functions.
The Information
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Current ChatGPT productivity tools are limited to generating plain-text versions of spreadsheets and presentations, lacking advanced features like Excel functions or PowerPoint animations and visual elements.
MINT
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The Spin

Narrative A

These productivity enhancements represent a natural evolution for ChatGPT, transforming it from a simple chatbot into a comprehensive workplace solution. The ability to create and edit Office files directly eliminates workflow friction and could save businesses money on expensive Microsoft 365 subscriptions. OpenAI's approach leverages open-source formats legally while providing users with seamless, AI-powered productivity tools.

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India Today

Narrative B

This development signals potential strain in the OpenAI-Microsoft partnership, as the AI company directly challenges its investor's core revenue streams. The new features may lack essential business capabilities, such as cloud storage and real-time collaboration, that enterprises require. Early reports suggest the AI agents can be slow and buggy, taking significantly longer than humans to complete basic tasks.