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

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

(Not upset with you just annoyed in general)

They should, but we are dealing with a company that has an ingrained anti-Mac sentiment, ever since the first days of Microsoft. Moreover, today Microsoft is mostly run by "bean counters" That care nothing about features and only on how much money they stuff in the Board of Directors' pockets. If there are not enough customers, then we will not bother. Plus Microsoft the mistaken notion that Mac users are only 10% of the Market base. The truth is more like, because of all the Malware and Virus, Worms and Trojan Horses that bombard Windows daily people have been leaving Windows in Droves. The Mac customer base today would be more likely 35-40% of Market share. Still not dominate, but enough that they need to start taking notice. Until Microsoft hire people that have the attitude that a customer is a customer regardless of the computer used, we will always have these issues. 

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The questions, discussions, opinions, replies & answers I create, are solely mine and mine alone and do not reflect upon my position as a Community Moderator.

Answer 3

I do wish Phillip would phrase his rants with phrases such as "I think" and "I believe" rather than stating his opinions as fact. 

I also wish Phillip's comments had something remotely to do with the the question that was asked.

I wish to point out that the add-in product works identically on Mac and Windows and attempts to offer a better tool than the built-in tool.

Answer 4

The point is that I still need an add-on that costs  $5 when I've already paid for Office Suite. I won't use the function enough to justify that cost

Answer 5

Point taken. Please take a moment to vote for that idea here:

Make Mac Excel Exactly Like Windows Excel