Split text into columns with a preview check

Imported text sometimes places several fields in one cell. Splitting it is easier when you identify the structure before applying a tool to the entire column.

1. Keep an untouched copy of the source. Inspect a few different rows and identify the separator, such as a tab or semicolon; spaces inside names may not be separators.
2. Use the spreadsheet's documented text-splitting tool on a small sample. In Excel, the Text to Columns wizard provides a preview for checking the chosen delimiter.
3. Choose an empty destination with enough room for all resulting columns. Review the preview so that a longer name or an empty field does not shift later values.
4. Apply the split and compare the sample with the original. Check the number of fields, identifiers with leading zeros and values that resemble dates.

Only then process the remaining rows. Keep the original data until you have checked the result and can explain any conversion that occurred.