I’m working on a student-focused tool built with Pickaxe that generates professional Excel / Google Sheets files for university assignments (e.g. lab tables, classification sheets, structured coursework).
The AI part is clear: it can understand the assignment prompt and design proper rows, columns, sheet structure, and formatting.
What I’m trying to confirm is the best technical approach inside Pickaxe to:
• Generate a real .xlsx file (not just table text)• Show a downloadable file or link directly in the Pickaxe UI• Ideally support both Excel and Google Sheets outputs
From what I understand, the built-in Excel action works with connected accounts, but doesn’t seem to create a new downloadable file for end users.
Is the recommended approach here to use Pickaxe → Webhook → automation (n8n / Make / Zapier) to generate and return the file?
Or is there a native Pickaxe pattern I’m missing for file generation + download delivery?
Would really appreciate guidance or examples from anyone who has built something similar. Thanks!
To allow users to generate a table and download it as a file, the Copilot action is typically the simplest option. When you prompt Copilot to create a table, it displays the table in the chat and provides a download button directly below the output. When users click this button, they will see the option to download the table as a CSV file.
Pickaxe to webhook to automation is also a valid approach if that is your preference. Alternatively, you can create a custom action that specifically generates an .xlsx file for your users.
We also offer Google Sheets and Excel MCPs that you can explore to see if they fit your workflow.
Hey thanks for quick following , you mention that , " Alternatively, you can create a custom action that specifically generates an .xlsx file for your users’’ can you please clear more about that what you mean basically , creating a action that call some api ? to generate the file ?
I am glad the Sheets action is working well for you. By “custom action” I meant connecting Pickaxe to a separate file-generation step outside Pickaxe’s built-in options (Zapier, Make, etc.).
Hey, @danny_support , Thanks very much.
I want to iterate on this, and Copilot does seem a great tool.
I am thinking…Say the target file is a Balance Sheet. It should be possible to interactively develop the list of line items, etc. in CoPilot, then export it to Sheets, at least.
Is that your idea? I am happy for any further tips.
Copilot is great for interactively building and refining the table, but it doesn’t actually push data into Google Sheets. Its built‑in export only lets users download tables as CSV or TSV. The workflow is two steps: first use Copilot to generate and finalize the table in the chat, then have your Pickaxe take that output and send it to the Sheets Action to create or populate the sheet. You’ll need clear prompting in your Pickaxe to make that handoff work reliably.
Is the recommended approach here to use Pickaxe → Webhook → automation (n8n / Make / Zapier) to generate and return the file?