How To Insert Text File In Excel

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.

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.