Use the rule builder
Choose this when every source row should be tested against the same ordered conditions and may need a remark.
Open rule builder → Field notes
Workbooks, explained by the job.
Short guides for choosing the right tool, setting dependable keys, and reviewing a result before you use it.
Choose the right tool
Use file difference
Choose this when an earlier and newer file share a stable key and you need added, removed, or changed records.
Open difference checker →Use spreadsheet health
Start here when you do not yet trust the headers, types, dates, completeness, or uniqueness of a workbook.
Run a health check →Use duplicate cleaner
Choose one or more identity columns, review duplicate groups, then keep the first or last record and merge blanks if needed.
Open duplicate cleaner →Use lookup and merge
Match a primary file to a reference file to append columns or fill existing values without copying by hand.
Open lookup tool →Use batch processor
Save a tested rule recipe first, then apply it to files with equivalent column headings and download the packaged results.
Open batch processor →Keys that will not betray you
A matching key should be present on every relevant row, stable between versions, and unique within each file. Claim IDs and transaction numbers are usually safer than names. When one column is not unique, combine two or more columns into a composite key.
Always review rows marked as key issues. A blank or duplicated key cannot be paired safely, so Sheet Docket leaves it visible instead of guessing.
Working with very large files
Close other memory-heavy tabs, select only the sheet you need, and prefer CSV when formatting and multiple sheets are unnecessary. CSV requires less browser memory than an Excel workbook. Sheet Docket shows only a small preview while the exported file still contains the full selected result.
Before using an export
- Check the selected sheet and header row.
- Inspect sample matches and key warnings.
- Confirm date interpretation and numeric tolerance.
- Keep the original workbook until the result is approved.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sheet Docket upload my spreadsheet?
No. Workbook parsing, checks, and exports run in your browser. Ordinary page requests and third-party advertising are covered separately in the privacy notice.
Will the output keep the same extension?
Rule, health, duplicate, lookup, and difference exports use the relevant source extension: CSV, XLS, XLSX, or ODS. A multi-file batch wraps those same-format results in a ZIP.
Can it handle 300,000 rows?
The processing engines run in Web Workers and previews are capped, which is designed for large datasets. Actual capacity still depends on the file format, number of columns, workbook complexity, browser, and available device memory.
Why is a matching key marked ambiguous?
A key that appears more than once cannot identify one record safely. The difference and lookup tools report that condition instead of choosing a row arbitrarily.
What does a saved recipe contain?
A recipe contains column headings, rules, comparison values, and optional remarks. It does not contain the workbook rows. Recipes remain in local browser storage unless you export their JSON.