# Filter Hidden Text in Microsoft Excel Files

Normally, Filter does not filter hidden text from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet because it is assumed that the text should not be exposed. To extract text from hidden rows, columns, and sheets from Excel spreadsheets, add the following lines to the `formats.ini` file:

    [Options]
    gethiddeninfo=1

NOTE: You can also set an API flag to filter text from hidden sheets. See Hidden Data in Microsoft Excel Documents for more information.

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