PHP: How to embed image in an excel column generated from PHP?

Question

I am echoing TSV data and turning it into an excel file via header()

This works fine, but 1 of the columns needs to be an image. How can I embed the image as one of the columns?

Thanks!

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 15 '09 at 18:38

2

Well, put simply, you can't. A TSV is a plain text (text/plain) file, not an 'Excel file'. An excel file is a binary representation of a spreadsheet, and although Excel can read a TSV and present it as tabular data, it's not this advanced binary form which can contain images.

You would have to create a 'proper' Excel xls file using one of the available libraries. I've used PHPExcel in the past and I think it supports adding images.

answered Oct 15 '09 at 18:38

David Snabel-Caunt

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Thanks, do you know of any I can install without having access to PHP.INI? Thanks – JD Isaacks Oct 15 '09 at 18:43
Worth trying PHPExcel or the Pear one detailed below. I don't think PHPExcel required any special settings but you'll have to try it to be sure. Best of luck! – David Snabel-Caunt Oct 15 '09 at 18:45

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 15 '09 at 18:39

1

I don't believe there is anyway to use TSV data, and get Excel to display an image.

However, I have had success in using Spreadsheet_Excel_Writer from PEAR, and it supports inserting images (bitmaps). Also supports nice formatting, etc, etc.

answered Oct 15 '09 at 18:39

Lance Rushing

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I looked into that, but you have to have excess to the PHP.INI file which I unfortunately do not. – JD Isaacks Oct 15 '09 at 18:42

PHP: How to embed image in an excel column generated from PHP?

2 Answers2