How To Insert Text File In Excel

Learn the efficient ways to insert a text file into Excel, an essential skill for data analysis and reporting. This tutorial simplifies the process, from preparing your text file to importing it seamlessly into an Excel worksheet.

Understanding the methods to incorporate text data can enhance your productivity and data management abilities. We will cover traditional Excel techniques as well as introduce Sourcetable, a platform that significantly simplifies this process.

Discover why Sourcetable is considered a more user-friendly solution for importing text files into a spreadsheet environment compared to Excel's conventional methods.

How to Insert Text File in Excel

Using the Text Import Wizard

To import data from a text file into Excel, use the Text Import Wizard, a legacy feature maintained for backward compatibility. First, check if the wizard is enabled by going to File > Options > Data and selecting "From Text (Legacy)" under Show legacy data import wizards. Then, access the wizard from the Data tab by selecting Get & Transform Data > Get Data > Legacy Wizards > From Text (Legacy). Alternatively, initiate the import by double-clicking the text file in the Import Text File dialog.

Importing with Power Query

Connect to a text file using Power Query for a more modern method of importing data into Excel. This process permits a direct connection to the text file, affording efficient data import and manipulation within your worksheet.

Opening Text Files Directly

Excel supports importing data by opening .txt and .csv files directly. When opening a .csv file, Excel will automatically apply the necessary delimiters. Ensure that your text files are properly delimited for Excel to process them efficiently. Use the same method to open both .txt and .csv files, relying on Excel to interpret the structure of the data correctly.

Inserting as an OLE Object

For a dynamic inclusion of text file content, utilize OLE to insert the text file as a linked or embedded object in your Excel spreadsheet. Linked objects reflect updates from the source file, while embedded objects are stored directly within the Excel file. When inserting OLE objects, choose to display the content as an icon for a professional and organized appearance.

Try Sourcetable For Free

Ask questions about your data in a powerful spreadsheet that your whole team knows how to use.

Common Use Cases

Importing raw data from text files into Excel for analysis
Consolidating reports by embedding text documents within an Excel sheet
Automating data entry by batch inserting multiple text files into a spreadsheet
Creating a dynamic link between text file contents and an Excel workbook for real-time data updates
Transferring data from external logs or outputs into Excel for record keeping

Excel vs. Sourcetable: Streamlined Data Management and Analysis

Excel, a Microsoft spreadsheet tool, is renowned for versatile data manipulation, analysis, and budgeting capabilities. It shines with extensive functions and add-ons for deep data analysis and complex calculations. However, real-time collaboration and data syncing require extra tools, making sharing traditional compared to newer platforms. Sourcetable differentiates itself as a specialized data management tool, syncing data from over 100 sources into live, automatically updating models—no coding required. Contrasting Excel's scalability with Sourcetable's focus on ease and efficiency, Sourcetable enables accessible, centralized data insights for growth and operations teams.

Sourcetable enhances spreadsheet functionality with a contemporary interface and built-in AI copilot. This intelligent feature assists users in creating advanced formulas and templates. The user-friendly, conversational AI copilot facilitates efficient and focused data manipulation, stepping beyond Excel's manual expertise requirement. By offering a cohesive and intuitive environment, Sourcetable simplifies business intelligence, empowering users to make quick, informed decisions without extensive training.

While Excel mandates a purchase or Office 365 subscription, Sourcetable offers a 14-day trial with plans starting at $50 per month. Excel is adaptable but relies on a more traditional file-based sharing system and requires OneDrive for real-time collaboration. In contrast, Sourcetable's web-based application ensures seamless sharing and collaboration. Its synchronous data updates, every 15 minutes on regular plans and every 5 minutes on pro plans, surpass Excel's capability for real-time, collaborative data analysis and reporting.

Master Text File Integration with Sourcetable

Importing a text file into Excel can prove cumbersome, especially when dealing with various data formats and large datasets. With Sourcetable, these complexities fade away, giving you the freedom to focus on the insights that matter. Sourcetable's seamless integration with third-party tools ensures real-time data accessibility within a user-friendly interface, making collaborative analysis simple and efficient.

Sourcetable's AI capabilities transform spreadsheet automation, assisting with everything from advanced report generation to clarifying complex formula queries. So whether you're grappling with data importation or seeking deeper analytical understanding, Sourcetable is designed to simplify your workflow and enhance your data interrogation.

Try Sourcetable now to experience the cutting-edge simplicity in merging text files with Excel, and unlock the full potential of your data with ease.

How To Insert Text File In Excel

Answer any Excel question with Sourcetable AI

Work smarter with AI.

Try Sourcetable