Import Requirements from Any Excel File
This walkthrough shows how to bring an existing requirements file from Excel into the project Backlog. Whether the file comes from a client, a previous engagement, or a legacy system, BriefSpec's AI reads the layout, auto-detects the columns, and maps the fields — no manual column mapping, no rebuilding the requirements from scratch.
How It Works
Open the Backlog for your project
From the project dashboard, navigate to the Backlog area where the requirements import options are available.
Choose the "Import from Excel" option
Open the create-requirement menu and select "Import" → "From Excel" to launch the AI-assisted import workflow.
Upload the Excel file
Select your Excel file in the file picker and click "Open" to upload it. BriefSpec accepts standard .xlsx and .xls formats, including files with multiple sheets, custom column headers, and varying levels of structure.
Wait while the AI reads and analyzes the file
The system parses the workbook, identifies the relevant sheet, detects header rows, recognizes data types, and prepares mapping suggestions. Keep the page open while analysis continues.
Review the AI-suggested column mappings
The AI presents its suggested mapping — for example, mapping the Excel column "Req ID" to Requirement ID, "Description" to Description, "Module" to Pillar, and "Status" to Status. Each suggestion shows the source column header, a preview of the values, and the BriefSpec field it will populate.
Adjust mappings if needed
For any column the AI did not auto-map, or any mapping you want to change, use the dropdown to assign it to the correct BriefSpec field. Unmapped columns can be ignored or stored as custom tags.
Run the import
Click "Import" to run the operation. BriefSpec validates the data, creates the requirements, and applies the mapped fields, hierarchy, and tags. A progress indicator shows the status of the import.
Review imported requirements in the Backlog
Once complete, the new requirements appear in the Backlog with their mapped fields populated. From there, you can edit, refine with voice AI, run Smart Merge to detect duplicates, or move them through phases.
What You Get
Every requirement imported through this workflow is fully structured the moment it arrives — with the right ID, title, description, pillar, persona, status, and any other fields the source file contained. No manual column mapping, no copy-paste, no lost weekends rebuilding requirements you already have.