Compare formula syntax by platform
Understand formula names, ribbon labels, and workbook compatibility across MarketXLS add-ins.
The Windows desktop and Microsoft 365 add-ins use the same MarketXLS service, but Excel identifies their custom functions differently.
Compare the syntax
| Task | Windows desktop | Mac or Excel for the web |
|---|---|---|
| Return the last price for a typed symbol | =Last("MSFT") | =mxls.Last("MSFT") |
| Return the last price from cell A2 | =Last(A2) | =mxls.Last(A2) |
| Stream the last price | =QM_Stream_Last("MSFT") | =mxls.QM_Stream_Last("MSFT") |
| Find the add-in | MarketXLS ribbon | MarketXLS (Web) ribbon and task pane |
The Microsoft 365 add-in uses the mxls. namespace. The Windows desktop add-in generally uses an unprefixed function name.
Some functions also use a different registered name on Microsoft 365. Use Check whether a function works on your add-in instead of adding mxls. across an entire workbook without testing it.
Capture the Windows Last formula and its returned value.
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Capture the Microsoft 365 mxls.Last formula and its returned value.
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QuoteMedia also connects differently. Windows exposes credentials, professional mode, connection testing, reset, and data-center controls. The Microsoft 365 add-in authenticates automatically after you sign in and exposes on, paused, and off streaming states. Read Use QuoteMedia functions by platform before you convert a live workbook.
The Microsoft 365 add-in still supports legacy mxls.Stream_* aliases, such as =mxls.Stream_last("MSFT"). Use mxls.QM_Stream_* for new formulas so that the name remains consistent across add-ins.
Move a workbook to another platform
- Save a copy of the original workbook.
- Open the copy on the destination platform.
- Check the function in the formula reference for platform availability.
- Update the function name when the destination add-in uses different syntax.
- Test a small set of formulas before you update the whole workbook.
- Refresh the workbook and review the results.
Some desktop tools don't have a direct cross-platform equivalent. In that case, keep the workbook on Windows or rebuild that part of the workflow with formulas available to the Microsoft 365 add-in.
Avoid add-in conflicts on Windows
If both add-ins are available in desktop Excel on Windows, confirm which ribbon and formula namespace the workbook uses. Disable the version that you don't need while you troubleshoot a recognition problem.