Content split cells

We have the option to split contents of a cell into several columns. We can do this based on characters in our data. These characters can be tabs, semicolons, spaces, and a few others. An example will help to make this clear.
As an example I will use the contents of the “Name” column and split into two columns, one column for name and one for surname.
To view the contents of a cell divided into multiple columns, the first thing we do is to add extra columns. I say “columns” because our name may consist of two parts, even three or more. So you enter the name “De Smet Vinnie” which consists of three parts, and the name “Bauwens Babs” which consists of only two parts.
So we add two columns. Right above the column letter of the “Region” column, choose “Insert” from the pop-up menu and repeat this again for the second column to be added. This places two extra blank columns (1) to the left of the “Region” column.
Next, select all records in the “Name” (2) column and choose “Data” (3) tab in the “Ribbon”.
Click the button “Text to Columns” in the “Ribbon” (4).

This opens the ” Convert Text to Columns” Wizard.
Select the “Delimited” button and click the “Next” button.

In step two of the wizard, choose “Space” as a delimiter. If you need a slightly different delimeter then what is presented, then add it to the list by selecting “Other” and typing the character(s) in the provided space. Click the “Next” button.

In step three of the wizard we can select the data format by column. Select “General” and click the “Finish” button.

As you can see in the picture below, the names are split and appear across all parts of the three columns.
In the next lesson we’ll see how the various columns come back together.

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