sheetdocument

Sheetdocument is a term used in software development to describe a file format or data structure that integrates tabular spreadsheet data with document-like content and metadata within a single container. The concept aims to simplify workflows that require both rich text or narrative elements and structured data without switching between applications.

A sheetdocument typically includes multiple sheets, each containing cells with numeric, date, text, or boolean values; support for formulas or references to other sheets; and the ability to attach metadata such as author, timestamps, and export settings. The container may also include embedded objects such as charts, images, or notes, and may define a schema for accessing and validating data.

Interoperability: Common representations include JSON-based or XML-based serializations, or a compact binary container. Some implementations target document editors (for reports or proposals) while others target data exchange between spreadsheet engines and word processors.

Use cases: corporate reports with integrated datasets, research papers with appended tables, template-based documents for invoices or budgets, archival records for audit trails.

Standards and status: There is no single universal standard for sheetdocument. It remains a conceptual category used by various programs and libraries, with several proprietary or project-specific formats. Its viability depends on the availability of robust tooling for parsing, validation, and rendering across platforms.

See also: Spreadsheet, Document format, Data interchange format, JSON, XML.