How to Download Excel (.xls) file from API in Postman ?

In this tutorial, we’ll explore the process of downloading Excel (.xls) files from APIs using Postman. Postman, an Application Programming Interface (API) tool, offers a comprehensive suite for API development, testing, and management. While typically used for designing, documenting, and testing APIs, Postman can also facilitate the retrieval of specific file formats like Excel sheets from APIs.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of downloading Excel files using Postman, enabling you to efficiently manage and utilize data retrieved from APIs.

Step 1: Install Postman

Postman is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring compatibility with various development environments. Click here to download & install Postman

Step 2: Obtain the API Endpoint

Identify the API endpoint from which you intend to download the Excel file. This endpoint should be capable of providing the desired Excel file as part of its response. Ensure you have the necessary permissions and credentials to access the API endpoint.

For this tutorial, we will consider using “https://the-internet.herokuapp.com/download/dummyXLS.xls” API endpoint, where “dummyXLS.xls” is the name of the .xls file hosted on the server.

Step 3: Configure the Request in Postman

Launch Postman and create a new request by clicking on the “New” button in the top-left corner. Choose the appropriate HTTP method (e.g., GET, POST) based on the API documentation. Enter the API endpoint URL in the request URL field.

Creating a new request and specifying the HTTP method and API endpoint URL

Step 4: Set Headers (if required)

If the API requires specific headers for authentication or any other purpose, ensure you set them appropriately. Click on the “Headers” tab below the request URL field, and add the necessary key-value pairs.

Step 5: Send the Request

Once you’ve configured the request, if you directly click on “Send” button. Postman will send the request to the API endpoint, and you’ll receive a response in the “Response” section below. If the response is not purely text, then you will see text with some unreadable characters.

Response on clicking “Send” Button

In order to avoid this problem, the file needs to be downloaded and viewed in a supporting software such as Microsoft Excel.

To download the file click on dropdown just beside the “Send” button.

Opening Dropdown

• Choose the “Send and Download” option from the dropdown.

Choose “Send and Download” option

• Once, you click on the “Send and Download” option, you will be prompted to save the file, confirm the format of the file. Choose desired location and name (if required), then click on “Save” button.

Saving File

• Once, your file has been successfully downloaded, you will see a prompt “Downloaded Response” in green on the bottom-right corner indicating the file has been downloaded.

File downloaded confirmation

Step 6: Verify the Downloaded File

Once the file is downloaded, verify its integrity by opening it in a compatible spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or LibreOffice Calc. Ensure that the data is correctly formatted and matches your expectations.

Step 7: Error Handling and Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the process, refer to the API documentation for troubleshooting guidance. Verify that your request parameters are correct, and you have the necessary permissions to access the endpoint. Postman’s console and error messages can also provide valuable insights into any potential errors.

Conclusion

Downloading Excel files from APIs using Postman is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your API testing and integration workflows. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging Postman’s features, you can efficiently retrieve Excel data from API endpoints and incorporate it into your applications or analysis pipelines.