Using the Text to Columns Feature

The text to columns feature allows you to use data in another format (such as a text file) and convert the text into columns. This is useful such as when you have a list of names that you want separated into first and last name columns.

Use the following procedure to convert text to columns.

Paste text from another application.

1. Select the text.
2. Select the Data tab from the Ribbon.

3. Select Text to Columns.

4. In the Convert Text to Columns Wizard, choose the file type that best describes your data. Select Next.

5. In the next screen, select the type of divider. In this example, a space separates the items we want to convert to columns. Your text could be divided by almost any character. Select Next.

6. In the next screen, you see a preview of the data converted to columns. For each column:

7. Define the data format (General, Text, Date) or choose to skip that column.

8. Enter or select the destination on the worksheet.

Using the Advanced button, you can also choose your settings for numeric data.

1. When you have finished, select Finish.

You can now work with your data as separate columns.