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PlanMaker 2026 · CSV and data import · Beginner

Split Text into Columns in PlanMaker 2026

Use PlanMaker Text to columns with a custom separator and safe destination so existing worksheet values are not overwritten.

Official documentation reviewed; native application verification pending · Updated 10 October 2026 · Editorial standards

A file export might place several values in one cell, such as Montreal|Q1|125. You do not need to rebuild the table manually. Text to columns can use a chosen separator and write the parts into neighboring columns.

Example: separate a pipe-delimited record

Enter these two text values in A2:A3:

Montreal|Q1|125
Kingston|Q2|210

The expected split is:

A: City B: Quarter C: Orders
Montreal Q1 125
Kingston Q2 210

The vertical bar | is the separator. It is not a slash and not a comma.

Steps using the documented ribbon UI

  1. Create an empty practice sheet. Keep B:C blank to avoid overwriting existing values.
  2. Select A2:A3, then choose Data → Edit → Text to columns.
  3. Set the Separator to the pipe character |. The automatic guess may choose a space for ordinary sentences, but here you need a literal pipe.
  4. Review the Target range option. The vendor manual allows output to a different starting cell; use that if you must preserve the original input.
  5. Check Text marker only when source values use enclosing quotation marks, then confirm.
  6. Verify that each city remains on the same row as its quarter and order count.

When splitting is the wrong solution

If the input comes from a standalone CSV file, the import preview may be safer: you can set separators, encoding and data types before data enter a worksheet. See CSV import with text identifiers.

Troubleshooting

  • Everything stays in A: re-check the exact character (| versus ; or tab).
  • Too many columns: the separator also occurs inside quoted data; configure its text marker or revise the source.
  • Codes lose zeros: plan the output column’s data handling and re-check the source; splitting does not create missing characters.
  • Data disappear to the right: undo immediately and repeat with an empty target area.

Verification: The two output rows were split independently. Dialog names and target-range behavior are taken from the PlanMaker 2026 manual; application UI testing is pending.

Official documentation: Software manual or vendor release notes. The workflow follows the linked documentation; confirm the interface and outputs in your installed version because no native-application test is documented for this guide.