Navigating through Microsoft Excel's powerful features can sometimes lead to unexpected formatting issues, particularly when importing CSV files. The autoformatter, designed to ease data importation, might inadvertently apply incorrect formatting—for instance, interpreting a size field as a date. To ensure your data retains its intended format, we've outlined a step-by-step guide leveraging the "Get Data (Power Query)" feature for a seamless import process.
Step-by-Step guide to correct CSV file importing
Open Microsoft Excel: Launch the application to begin the process.
Access 'Data' tab: On the Excel ribbon, locate and click on the 'Data' tab to reveal data management options.
Initiate 'Get data (Power Query)': Within the 'Data' tab, look for and select the "Get Data" button. This option might be represented with the "Power Query" label in some Excel versions, underscoring its robust data handling capabilities.
Select 'Text/CSV' data source: A dialog box titled "Choose Data Source" will appear. Here, click on the "Text/CSV" button to specify the type of file you're importing.
Locate and select your CSV file: Navigate through your directories to find the CSV file you wish to import. Once found, select it and press "Next" to proceed.
Verify delimiter setting: In the upcoming screen, ensure the delimiter is set to "Comma". This is crucial as CSV files (Comma-Separated Values) rely on commas to distinguish between different data fields.
Complete the import: After confirming the delimiter setting, click on "Load". Excel will now import your data, applying the correct formatting based on the file's contents rather than assuming based on the data's appearance.
By following these steps, your data should now be accurately represented in Excel, free from the unintended formatting changes autoformatter might apply. This process not only preserves the integrity of your data but also saves time by reducing the need for manual corrections post-import.
Additional tips
Preview your data: Take advantage of the preview feature in the Power Query Editor to ensure your data looks correct before finalizing the import.
Customize data types: If necessary, you can manually adjust the data type for each column within the Power Query Editor, offering even greater control over the formatting of your imported data.