Compare & Merge Workbooks - Function Missing in Microsoft Excel for Mac v15.26

Question

I have been tasked with comparing and merging spreadsheets across multiple years of data, and would really prefer not to do it manually. However, when I go to add the "Compare and Merge Workbooks" function to the Quick Access Toolbar, that function doesn't show up. I've made sure to follow the instructions here: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Merge-copies-of-a-shared-workbook-aa7c3598-5ad7-4fea-8c00-2daa7a934239, but that function simply doesn't exist in the version of Excel I have on my Mac.

Here's a screen shot of the Ribbon & Toolbar functionality:

Has that function been removed or replaced? Please help!

Answer 1

The most likely explanation is that the workbooks were not saved from the same original file.

In order to use the feature you must create an original Shared workbook. The additional files must be cloned from it using Save As. IOW, the feature cannot be used on separately created files no matter no 'identical' they may appear to be.

Further, the original must be designated as a Shared workbook before creating the clones. if the Save As is done before the original is Shared the copies cannot be used for merging.

Accordingly, the tool will not be active, nor will the Merge Workbooks command in the Tools menu unless those conditions are met.

My impression, though, is that this is not the feature you want to use in the first place. It's intended for updating an original based on changes made in the clones. Typically, that means that the incoming data will overwrite the content in the original.

It sounds like what you may be intending to do is to combine the sheets from various workbooks into a single workbook file but maintaining the integrity of each sheet. If that's the case it would be more appropriate to use the Move or Copy feature to move or copy sheets from one workbook to another. See:

Move or copy a sheet in Excel 2016 for Mac - Excel for Mac

Answer 2

That exact feature is not in Excel for Mac. You can request it here:

Excel for Mac

However, if you go to the Insert Tab of the Ribbon and choose Store, search the store for compare. There is an add-in available.

Answer 3

Hi Tvick,

Do you need further assistance on this?

Thanks,

Mike

Answer 4

So basically I'm being charged $5 just because I have a Mac.

Shouldn't both Mac and Windows have the same available functions? Ugh...

(Note upset with you just annoyed in general)

Answer 5

I hope that Strive strove to make their compare feature better than the built-in one.