How to Import and Export as DataSet

Chaknith Bin

Updated:July 28, 2025

A DataSet is an in-memory representation of data that can hold multiple related tables, relationships, and constraints. It's often used for working with data from various sources like databases, XML, and more.

A DataTable is a fundamental building block within a DataSet. It represents a single table with rows and columns, much like a table in a database. It's used to organize and manipulate data in a tabular form.

You can import a DataSet into a spreadsheet object and export it back into a DataSet using IronXL.

How to Import and Export as a DataSet

Download the C# library for importing and exporting as a DataSet
Prepare the DataSet to import into a spreadsheet object
Use the LoadWorkSheetsFromDataSet method to import the DataSet into the workbook
Use the ToDataSet method to export the workbook as a DataSet
Check the conversion result

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First Step:

Load DataSet

Utilize the static LoadWorkSheetsFromDataSet method of the Workbook to import a DataSet into the workbook. This method requires both the DataSet and Workbook objects. Consequently, you should initiate the workbook or spreadsheet beforehand using the Create method. In the provided code example, provide the DataSet object you wish to convert to the method, alongside the workbook object.

:path=/static-assets/excel/content-code-examples/how-to/export-dataset-datatable-load.cs

using IronXL;
using System.Data;

// Create dataset
DataSet dataSet = new DataSet();

// Create workbook
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Create();

// Load DataSet to workBook
WorkBook.LoadWorkSheetsFromDataSet(dataSet, workBook);

Imports IronXL
Imports System.Data

' Create dataset
Private dataSet As New DataSet()

' Create workbook
Private workBook As WorkBook = WorkBook.Create()

' Load DataSet to workBook
WorkBook.LoadWorkSheetsFromDataSet(dataSet, workBook)

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Visit the How to Load Existing Spreadsheets article to learn more about importing spreadsheets from various file formats.

Export DataSet

The ToDataSet method converts the workbook to a System.Data.DataSet, where each worksheet represents a System.Data.DataTable. Use this method on the current Excel workbook to convert it from a workbook to a DataSet object. The useFirstRowAsColumnNames parameter of the method configures whether to use the first row as column names.

:path=/static-assets/excel/content-code-examples/how-to/export-dataset-datatable-export.cs

using IronXL;
using System.Data;

// Create new Excel WorkBook document
WorkBook workBook = WorkBook.Create();

// Create a blank WorkSheet
WorkSheet workSheet = workBook.CreateWorkSheet("new_sheet");

// Export as DataSet
DataSet dataSet = workBook.ToDataSet();

Imports IronXL
Imports System.Data

' Create new Excel WorkBook document
Private workBook As WorkBook = WorkBook.Create()

' Create a blank WorkSheet
Private workSheet As WorkSheet = workBook.CreateWorkSheet("new_sheet")

' Export as DataSet
Private dataSet As DataSet = workBook.ToDataSet()

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Visit the How to Save or Export Spreadsheets article to learn more about exporting spreadsheets to various file formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DataSet in C#?

A DataSet is an in-memory representation of data that can hold multiple related tables, relationships, and constraints. It's used for working with data from various sources like databases, XML, and more.

How is a DataTable related to a DataSet?

A DataTable is a fundamental building block within a DataSet. It represents a single table with rows and columns, much like a table in a database, and is used to organize and manipulate data in a tabular form.

How do you import a DataSet into a workbook?

Use the static LoadWorkSheetsFromDataSet method of the Workbook from IronXL to import a DataSet into the workbook. This requires both the DataSet and Workbook objects. You must first create the workbook using the Create method.

How can you export a workbook as a DataSet?

Use the ToDataSet method on the current Excel workbook with IronXL to convert it to a System.Data.DataSet. Each worksheet represents a System.Data.DataTable, and you can configure whether to use the first row as column names using the useFirstRowAsColumnNames parameter.

Where can you download the library for C# that handles importing and exporting as a DataSet?

You can download the C# library for importing and exporting as a DataSet from NuGet by visiting https://nuget.org/packages/IronXL.Excel/.

What are the steps to import a DataSet into a spreadsheet?

First, download the IronXL library. Then, prepare the DataSet, use the LoadWorkSheetsFromDataSet method to import it into the workbook, and check the conversion result.

Can the imported DataSet be saved as an Excel file?

Yes, after loading the DataSet into a workbook using IronXL, you can save the workbook to a file using the SaveAs method, specifying the desired file name and format.

What method is used to export a workbook as a DataSet?

The ToDataSet method is used to export a workbook as a DataSet. It converts each worksheet into a DataTable within the DataSet.

Is there a way to use the first row as column names when exporting a workbook to a DataSet?

Yes, the ToDataSet method in IronXL includes a parameter called useFirstRowAsColumnNames that allows you to specify whether the first row should be used as column names.

Chaknith Bin

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Software Engineer

Chaknith is the Sherlock Holmes of developers. It first occurred to him he might have a future in software engineering, when he was doing code challenges for fun. His focus is on IronXL and IronBarcode, but he takes pride in helping customers with every product. Chaknith leverages his knowledge from talking directly with customers, to help further improve the products themselves. His anecdotal feedback goes beyond Jira tickets and supports product development, documentation and marketing, to improve customer’s overall experience.When he isn’t in the office, he can be found learning about machine learning, coding and hiking.