Best for
- Node.js services that want to own backend workbook calculations without a UI.
- AI agents that need tools to interact with spreadsheets with formula readback.
B
Bilig WorkPaper Server
Community
Formula readback, input edits, JSON persistence, and workbook risk preflight for agents.
GitHub source repository ↗
67FMRS · C
Bilig WorkPaper provides a unique way for agents and Node services to handle formula-driven workbooks without a spreadsheet UI. It offers verified read/write/readback and JSON persistence, making it useful for workflows like pricing and approvals. However, it does not claim full Excel compatibility, and accuracy depends on its own formula engine.
The Bilig WorkPaper server is an MCP server that lets AI agents and Node.js services programmatically work with spreadsheet formulas. It enables editing cells, recalculating formulas, reading computed outputs, and persisting workbook state as JSON. This server is designed for 'workbook-shaped' business logic, such as pricing models, quote approval, payout checks, and import validation. It runs headless without Excel, and provides tools like read_range and set_cell_contents_and_readback for cell operations with before/after computed readback. It can be run as a local stdio process (recommended for persistence) or accessed via a hosted HTTP endpoint. Note: it does not claim Excel parity and has known compatibility limitations. The source repository documents these for further review.
Tools
list_sheets
List all sheet names in the workbook
read_range
Read a range of cells with values (formula or computed)
read_cell
Read a specific cell's content
set_cell_contents
Set the contents of a cell, such as a formula or value
set_cell_contents_and_readback
Set a cell's content and read back the recalculated value
get_cell_display_value
Get the display value of a cell
export_workpaper_document
Export the entire WorkPaper JSON document
validate_formula
Validate the syntax of a formula
Setup
Run the local stdio server: npm exec --package @bilig/workpaper@latest -- bilig-workpaper-mcp. For a hosted HTTP endpoint, use https://bilig.proompteng.ai/mcp. Before use, verify the npm package's SLSA provenance: npm view @bilig/workpaper version dist.attestations --json.
Fit and risk
Not for
- Use cases requiring a visual spreadsheet interface or Office macros.
- Workflows that require exact Excel parity.
Required permissions
- Read and write workbook inputs and formulas.
- Write access to a specified WorkPaper JSON file if persistence is used.
- No authentication is required for the hosted mode.
Risks and side effects
- Formula compatibility is limited; some formulas may be unsupported.
- Persistence in file-based mode could overwrite unexpected files if the path is misconfigured.
- Embedded XLSX formulas might not be trustworthy; use Excel oracle for accuracy.
Troubleshooting
- Ensure Node.js version is >=22.
- Use `bilig-formula-clinic` to check formula compatibility.
- Make sure any XLSX file is handled by appropriate import tools.
Use cases
When an agent needs to read and modify a workbook backed by formulas, such as pricing or quote calculations.
Automating approval decisions in workflows with dependent formulas.
Persisting workbook state as JSON for audit or restore.
Supported clients
Claude DesktopFull support
Generic MCP ClientFull support