In this article, we will explore how to divide text into columns in Excel on both PC and Mac. We will take you through the process step-by-step, giving you all the information you need to get started.
Dividing Text into Columns in Excel on PC
Step 1: Open your Excel spreadsheet
To get started, open up your Excel spreadsheet. Make sure your data is arranged in a way that you can use to create separate columns.
Step 2: Select the data you want to divide
Next, select the cells that contain the data you want to divide. Make sure you’ve selected the cells that have the data you want to divide. If you have any blank cells in the selected range, Excel might reject the process.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Data’ tab
After selecting the data, click on the ‘Data’ tab in the menu bar at the top of the window.
Step 4: Select the ‘Text to Columns’ option
Click on the ‘Text to Columns’ option available under the ‘Data Tools’ panel.
Step 5: Choose the type of data you want to split
In the ‘Text to Columns Wizard’ dialog box that appears, select the type of data you want to split. You can choose from two options – ‘Delimited’ or ‘Fixed Width’.
Step 6: Select the delimiter
If you choose ‘Delimited’, you will need to select the delimiter (character that separates the columns) you want to use. Choose the delimiter you want to use in the ‘Delimiter’ section. You can use a comma, space, tab, semicolon, or any other character you want.
Step 7: Preview your changes
To make sure everything looks good, click on the ‘Preview’ button. If everything looks good, click on the ‘Finish’ button to complete the process.
Dividing Text into Columns in Excel on Mac
Step 1: Open your Excel spreadsheet
To start, open your Excel spreadsheet and ensure that your data is arranged properly to create separate columns.
Step 2: Highlight the cells you want to divide
Next, highlight the cells that contain the data you want to divide. Make sure to select the cells that have the data you want to divide.
Step 3: Click the ‘Data’ tab
Click on the ‘Data’ tab in the menu bar at the top of the window.
Step 4: Choose the ‘Text to Column’ option
Look for the ‘Text to Column’ option under the ‘Data Tools’ panel and click on it.
Step 5: Select the delimiter
In the ‘Text to Column’ dialog box that appears, select the delimiter (which could be a space, tab, comma, semicolon, colon, or any other character) you want to use.
Step 6: Preview your changes
Once you have selected the delimiter, preview your changes by clicking on the ‘Preview’ button. If you are happy with the changes, click on the ‘Finish’ button to apply them.
Conclusion
Dividing text into columns in Excel on both PC and Mac is a simple and easy process. By following these steps, you can quickly and efficiently organise your data into columns. Excel is a powerful tool and understanding how to use it to its full potential, including the ability to divide text into columns, can greatly improve your productivity and efficiency in the workplace.