Hi Alex

Thanks for posting in the community! You can do this by:

(1) Dragging out or creating a shape; 

(2) Setting up the data fields (in data menu) and formatting you want in that shape;

(3) Saving it as a custom shape (right-clicking on the shape and then selecting "Add to Custom Shape Library"); and

(4) Multi-select the rows in the spreadsheet view and then drag them out.

For additional details please review our data linking help center article. 

Thank you Cydney E! I had actually tried that already but I figured out where I had gone wrong.

I had added my shape to a custom shape library but I hadn't included that shape library in my current document so the shapes didn't appear in the list of options when I dragged the data onto the sheet. That's why I thought I could only use the basic shapes.

I needed to add my custom shape library so it appeared in the shapes menu on the left hand side then it appeared as an option for the data linked shapes to create.

Now it works a treat! Cheers!

Ah! But does it work for more complex grouped shapes? It seems not :(

Hi Alex 

Thanks for reaching out again! Unfortunately what you are trying to do does not work with grouped shapes. However we're always looking for ways to improve Lucidchart and your feedback is the best way for us to do that. Would you mind adding this idea to our Product Feedback section?

Ideas submitted are passed on to the product development team for their consideration. Thanks for your request!

Hi! Jumping in here because I think you and others who might come across this post may be interested in Lucid’s Data Trusted User Group. This group is made up of knowledgeable users who regularly analyze and visualize data in their work. As part of this group, you’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with Lucid’s product team, gain early access to beta features, and share insights about your needs, shaping the future of Lucid’s data solutions You can learn more and request to join here. Thanks!