How To Import A Text File In Excel

Importing text files into Excel can be essential for data analysis, allowing users to manage and organize large datasets efficiently.

This guide will detail the step-by-step process of bringing text files into Excel, including formatting tips and troubleshooting common issues.

Additionally, we will explore why Sourcetable offers a more streamlined approach for importing text files compared to Excel's traditional methods.

Importing a Text File into Excel

Using the Text Import Wizard

To import data from a text file into an Excel worksheet, you can use the Text Import Wizard, a legacy feature supported for back-compatibility. Excel versions such as Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2021, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Excel 2013 include this feature. The wizard may need to be enabled, which can be done by navigating to the Data tab, selecting Get & Transform Data, then choosing Get Data, and finally accessing Legacy Wizards to enable From Text (Legacy).

After enabling, access the Text Import Wizard by going to Data > Get & Transform Data > Get Data > Legacy Wizards > From Text (Legacy). Alternatively, double-click the text file from the Import Text File dialog to start the wizard and follow the steps to format and import the text into your worksheet.

Connecting with Power Query

As an alternative to the Text Import Wizard, you can connect a text file to Excel with Power Query. This modern feature allows for more advanced data manipulation and is suitable for those working with large and complex datasets. To connect, go to the Data tab and start by connecting to the text file with Power Query, which lets you specify how you want the data to be imported and formatted.

Other Methods of Importing

Excel also provides other methods for importing text files such as using a QueryTable, writing the file to the current sheet in memory, or utilizing the Workbook.Open method. The QueryTable method is among the more straightforward approaches for this task. To use Excel’s built-in functionality, employ the Data/Get External Data/From File dialog to select and import a text file, giving you the opportunity to format the imported text data via Excel's Import Data dialog.

Excel vs. Sourcetable: Modern Data Management Compared

Excel, a robust Microsoft spreadsheet tool, is a staple for tasks like data analysis, budgeting, and data manipulation. It offers versatility with functions for complex calculations and has a strong tradition in business use. However, Excel's shortcomings are revealed when it comes to real-time data integration and collaboration, as it requires additional services to connect to many data sources and relies on OneDrive for collaborative features.

Sourcetable, a specialized spreadsheet application, excels in a modern data management environment. It integrates seamlessly with over 100 applications, centralizes data for analysis, and enables live model construction that updates automatically. Sourcetable's key advantage is its AI copilot, which simplifies the creation of formulas and reports through an intuitive chat interface, a distinct feature not available in traditional Excel workflows.

While Excel demands manual setup and extended functionality through add-ons and macros, Sourcetable is designed for ease and speed, targeting growth teams and business operations that need to centralize and analyze data without coding expertise. Sourcetable's sharing and embedding capabilities outperform Excel's traditional file-based reports, offering a more seamless experience across platforms.

Sourcetable's pricing starts at $50 per month for the starter plan with a 14-day free trial, making it accessible for teams seeking an efficient, no-code solution for business intelligence, surpassing Excel's capabilities in a contemporary, connected workspace.

Effortlessly Import Text Files into Excel with Sourcetable

Importing text files into Excel is an essential task for data analysis and reporting. Sourcetable simplifies this process with its AI-powered spreadsheet capabilities and seamless integration with third-party tools. The platform ensures that your team can easily access and work with real-time data in a collaborative interface.

Automate your workflows, generate reports effortlessly, and get answers to complex questions about formulas and data structures with Sourcetable's intuitive AI. Sourcetable turns any spreadsheet task into a trouble-free experience, significantly enhancing productivity.

Experience the power of Sourcetable and revolutionize how you work with spreadsheets. Try Sourcetable now and see your data questions answered with unmatched ease.