To Split Columns in a CSV File
Step 1: Open your file with a dedicated CSV Editor - Rons Data Edit
First things first, make sure you use the correct application to edit your CSV files; you can download Rons Data Edit, for free, right here: Download.
Your CSV file can be opened using the 'Open Document' File menu, or 'Open Document' link on the Start Page of the application.
Step 2: Open the 'Column Split' Tool
In the ribbon bar, at the top of the main window, go to the 'Columns' tab, and click on the 'Column Tools' button. This action opens the 'Column Tool' pannel. From the available tools displayed, select 'Split Columns'.
Step 3: Set the appropriate 'Split Columns' options
See below for the listing of the settings and their explanation.
Step 4: Apply the changes
Click the 'Split Columns' button to apply the changes.
Note: Any action can easily be reverted by clicking on the 'Undo' button on the menu on the top left corner of the main window.
Step 5: Save the File
When satisfied with the changes, make sure to save the document by clicking on the 'Save' button the top left corner of the main window or by clicking the 'Save' button on the 'Home' tab of the ribbon bar.
The Split Columns Tool Settings
Description |
Options |
Explanation |
Tools Available | Several tools are displayed. 'Split Columns' should be selected. | |
Slip Source | ||
Split Column | Column List | Select the column where the splitting of the data will result into the creation of the new column(s). |
Split on | Text | When selected, the appropriate text can be typed in the dedicated field below. As a consequence the column will be split at the level of the typed in text when detected. That text won't be included in the new column(s). |
Regular Expression | When selected, the regular expression can be typed in the dedicated field below and it will determine the area where the split will occur. | |
Tab | When selected, the row(s) will be split at the level of Tab separations. | |
Line Break | When selected, the row(s) will be split at the level of Line Break separations. | |
Direction | Left to Right | When selected the split within the column starts from the left to the right. |
Right to Left | When selected the split within the column starts from the right to the left. | |
Source Columns | In the 'Source Colums' section all the columns of the document are listed and can be easily selected and transfered by clicking on the arrows to the next section ('Selected Columns'). | |
Column > | Clicking on Column > transfers the selected Column to the "Selected Columns" section. | |
New > | Clicking on New > creates a new column and displays it in the "Selected Columns" section. Its name "New Column" can be overwritten to rename it. | |
Remove - | Clicking on Remove - will remove any selected column displayed in the "Selected Columns" section. | |
Selected Columns |
The 'Selected Columns' section displays the columns where the split data is going to be displayed. |
|
Options | ||
Skip Empty Value |
This options allows eliminates empty values from the split. |
Finally
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