Column+Splitting+and+Re-Joining

=  //Sometimes, information can be saved or typed in an incorrect format. When lists are small, there is no problem with// //manually changing every piece of information, but it can be time consuming and quite boring. Excel has a feature that will allow you take// //a cells information and split it into two. For example, if a cell has a full name it can be split into first and last. This provides// //better organization for the user.// =


 * **It is seen in this ordinary list that the first column contains each persons first & second name joined together.**




 * **The first step is to create a column to the right so that both names can eventually have their own cells.**




 * **Click on 'Data' which is located on the Excel ribbon. Click on 'Text to Columns.' A menu of options will pop up afterwards.**




 * **With these available options, check 'Deliminated' at the top. Notice that a preview of your names is shown below. Click the next button.**




 * **In this step, you are able to choose where the split will occur. In this case, last and first name are separated**
 * by a comma. Click 'comma' and notice that both names are seperated by a distinct line. Click next.**




 * **The last step will let you format each distinct column if necessary. In this case, both names have been separated properly. Click Finish.**




 * **SHAZAM! Your names are now separated by last and first in their own separate columns!**



= // Another interesting function of Excel is that the exact opposite can be performed using one formula. If first and last // // names are already separated and you wish to join them, both cells information can be merged into one. //=


 * ** Click the blank cell where you wish for the information to appear. **




 * ** The following formula will take cells 'B1' & 'A1' and combine them in that order; **** =B1&" "&A1 . The space between the two quotations is necessary to keep the names separated.**




 * ** Notice that the name is now correctly merged into one cell. **




 * **Another interesting aspect of this trick is that if you grab the fill handle, you** **can fill in the remaining cells with the appropriate names.**




 * ** Hocus Pocus! The cells have now all be merged into one cell using one simple formula. **



=** //Both of these tricks are utilized to save time. As stated before, it is possible that you will have to split or merge a// ** **// lengthy list. This will make bulk work a lot simpler and quite frankly... will leave you feeling savvy. //** =

**//David Ortiz//** **//Info173//** **//Spring 2011//**