Reading CSV Files into Excel

 Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
Article ID: Q25809

SUMMARY

Microsoft Excel will automatically parse data in a text file that is separated by commas or tabs. To do this, follow the steps under the section of this article that correspond to the version of Excel being used.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Excel for Windows Version 3.0

  1. From the File menu, choose Open.

  2. Choose the Text button.

  3. Select Comma in the Column Delimiter section.

  4. Choose OK.

  5. Type the name of the file in the File Name text box.

  6. Choose OK.

Microsoft Excel for Windows Version 2.x

  1. Rename the text file so that it has a .CSV extension. This may be done using the MS-DOS REN command. For example, if the filename is PROJECT.TXT, rename it to PROJECT.CSV with the MS-DOS command REN PROJECT.TXT *.CSV

  2. Start Microsoft Excel.

  3. From the File menu, choose Open.

  4. Type the name of the file in the File Name text box.

  5. Choose OK.

Microsoft Excel for OS/2

  1. From the File menu, choose Open.

  2. Select the comma-separated file to open.

  3. Choose the Text button.

  4. Select Comma as the column delimiter.

  5. Choose OK to open the file.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," version 3.0, page 339

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3.0

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Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
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