Data Formulator
Turn any data into insights with AI agents
What is Data Formulator? Complete Overview
Data Formulator is an AI-powered tool designed to transform almost any data into actionable insights. It allows users to load structured data, connect to databases, and even extract and clean small ad-hoc data from screenshots or text blocks. The tool is particularly useful for exploring trends, such as consumer price trends from 2005 to 2025. Data Formulator ensures privacy by storing uploaded data only in the browser's local storage and processing it locally or on a server without permanent storage. It is a research prototype from Microsoft Research, offering both local installation and an online demo, though the local installation provides a more comprehensive experience.
Data Formulator Interface & Screenshots
Data Formulator Official screenshot of the tool interface
What Can Data Formulator Do? Key Features
Load Any Data
Data Formulator supports loading structured data from various sources including CSV, XLSX, JSON, clipboard, and even messy data. It can also connect to databases for more extensive data handling.
AI-Powered Data Extraction
The tool uses AI agents to extract and clean small ad-hoc data from screenshots and text blocks, making it easier to work with unstructured data.
Local Data Processing
For locally installed versions, Data Formulator runs Python on your machine, ensuring data privacy and security. It creates a DuckDB database file in a temporary directory to store data.
Online Demo
An online demo is available for quick testing, though it has limited features and may be slower compared to the local installation.
Privacy-Focused
Data Formulator ensures user privacy by storing uploaded data only in the browser's local storage and not retaining it on servers after processing.
Best Data Formulator Use Cases & Applications
Market Research
Businesses can use Data Formulator to analyze consumer price trends over the years, helping them make informed pricing strategies.
Data Cleaning
Researchers can extract and clean messy data from various sources, saving time and improving data accuracy.
Quick Data Insights
Analysts can quickly generate insights from ad-hoc data, such as screenshots or text blocks, without extensive data preparation.
How to Use Data Formulator: Step-by-Step Guide
Install Data Formulator locally for the full experience or use the online demo for a quick test.
Load your data by uploading files (CSV, XLSX, JSON), connecting to a database, or extracting data from screenshots or text blocks.
Use the AI agents to clean and transform your data as needed. The tool will guide you through the process with intuitive prompts.
Explore your data by asking the AI agents to generate insights, such as trends or patterns, based on your specific queries.
Export or save your insights for further analysis or reporting. The tool ensures all data remains private and secure.
Data Formulator Pros and Cons: Honest Review
Pros
Considerations
Is Data Formulator Worth It? FAQ & Reviews
No, uploaded data is stored only in your browser's local storage. For the online demo, data is sent to the server for processing but not stored permanently.
You can load structured data like CSV, XLSX, JSON, and even extract data from screenshots or text blocks.
Yes, the local installation is free and provides access to all features, including database connectivity and local data processing.
Yes, you can use your trusted model provider if you are working with private data.
The online demo is slower and has limited features compared to the local installation. It is recommended for quick testing only.