# Read Range

> Read Range activity that reads the value of an Excel range as a DataTable.

`UiPath.Excel.Activities.Business.ReadRangeX`

## Description

Reads the value of an Excel range as a DataTable. The activity can be used with Excel files selected for parent [Use Excel File](https://docs.uipath.com/activities/other/latest/productivity/excel-application-card) activities or with the Project Notebook.

## Configuring the activity

### Designer panel

* **Range** - Select **Plus** on the right side of the field and then, from the menu, select a named range, table, or sheet to be read, or select **Indicate in Excel** to open the file and select a range directly from the file. Alternatively, you can select **Custom Input** to enter the range manually, or **Open in Advanced Editor** and enter a VB expression.
  * **Has headers** - Select this option if the first row in the range is a header row.
  * **Visible rows only** - Select this option to only read the visible rows. It ignores filtered and hidden values.
* **Save to** - The DataTable where to save the contents of the range. To paste the data from the clipboard, use [Copy/Paste Range](https://docs.uipath.com/activities/other/latest/productivity/copy-paste-range-x) or other dedicated pasting activities.
:::note
For details on how to use the options under the plus menu, check [Designing automations in UiPath Studio](https://docs.uipath.com/studio/standalone/latest/user-guide/designing-automations).
:::

### Properties panel

#### Common

* **DisplayName** - The name displayed for the activity in the Designer panel.

#### Input

* **Range** - Check **Range** in the body of the activity.

#### Misc

* **Private** - If selected, the values of variables and arguments are no longer logged at Verbose level.

#### Options

* **Has headers** - Check **Has headers** in the body of the activity.
* **Read formatting** - The formatting that should be applied to the values. Select one of the following options:
  * **(null)** - The formatting options are the same as for the parent card.
  * **Default** - Applies the default formatting returned by Excel.
  * **Raw Value** - Retrieves the raw values from Excel and ignores all formatting.
  * **Display Value** - Retrieves the values as they are displayed in Excel.
* **Visible rows only** - Check **Visible rows only** in the body of the activity.

:::note
For better performance, we recommend setting the **Read formatting** option to RawValue and deselecting the **Visible rows only** option.
:::

#### Output

* Save to - The DataTable where to save the contents of the range. To paste the data from the clipboard, use Copy/Paste Range or other dedicated pasting activities. Select the plus icon and, from the dropdown menu, select one of the available options:

  * **Use Variable** - Use an existing variable to store the output.
  * **Open in Expression Editor** - Enter a VB expression.
  * **Create Variable** - Creates a new variable to store the output.