LABS.GENERATIVEAI is custom function that allows you to send prompts from the Excel grid to a generative AI model and then return the results from the model directly back to your worksheet.
You can send the model simple or complex prompts to analyze information, process data, produce a response based on a sample, and more. LABS.GENERATIVEAI allows you to reference other cells in your workbook, and it can be called inside any Excel cell or named formula in the workbook.
The custom function includes settings which let you choose from different models, control the default output length of results returned from the models, limit creativity, and more.
LABS.GENERATIVEAI is not part of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
To experiment with generative AI, start by typing the formula =LABS.GENERATIVEAI in a cell. Next, give the formula a prompt to send to the generative AI model. Make sure to wrap your prompt in quotation marks, like =LABS.GENERATIVEAI(“Write a poem about Excel.”), and select the Enter key to send the request.
Use the Settings options in the task pane to customize your experience. You can choose from different models, control the default output length of results returned from the models, and more.
In addition to the prompt argument, LABS.GENERATIVEAI offers the optional arguments temperature, max_tokens, and model. The formula uses the following syntax.
LABS.GENERATIVEAI(prompt, [temperature], [max_tokens], [model])
These optional arguments correspond to options in the Settings section. Use the Settings to control default settings across the workbook. Use the optional arguments in an individual LABS.GENERATIVEAI call override your default settings.
The following examples show a couple ways to use LABS.GENERATIVEAI.
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Analyze public information. Ask a model to summarize a complicated topic, such as:
=LABS.GENERATIVEAI("Explain generative AI in a sentence.”) -
Return creative content. Ask a model to create content about a particular subject.
=LABS.GENERATIVEAI(“Write a poem about Excel.”)
For more examples, see LABS.GENERATIVEAI samples.
The LABS.GENERATIVEAI function uses generative AI technology from OpenAI. To use the function, you must register an OpenAI account and generate a unique API key.
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