How to format files exported from Sensorpro in Excel or Google Sheets.

Sensorpro has a number of places where contacts can be exported. These are:

These exports are in CSV format. This is a delimited text file where all data is separated by a symbol (usually a "pipe" symbol, which looks like this:

Here is what the file looks like in Excel (note the pipe "|" symbol between each value):

Here is what it looks like in your browser or in a text editor:

This format is perfect for importing into another tool (like a CRM system for example). However, it is not very readable, is it? 

If the CSV file is on your PC or Mac, open it in Excel. 

If it is being displayed in a browser window, press Ctrl A&nbsp;to select all the text, then open excel and press Ctrl V&nbsp;in cell "A1".

Note - if you are using a Mac, press Cmd A to select all text, and press Cmd V to paste the text in cell "A1"

In Excel, you should now see something like this:

Click the "A" above Column A to select the column.

Click the "Data" menu at the top of the screen.

This will start a 3 step wizard to format your data.

Step 2: Untick Tab and tick Other. In the text box beside Other, put the pipe symbol.

You will know it's correct because the "Data preview" section at the bottom updates to show neatly formatted data.

Click "Finish" (you do not need to click "Next" - the third step is not required)

Your file has been formatted into separate columns.

If you use Google Sheets, follow these steps.

Open a blank spreadsheet in Google Sheets.

Either drag a file to the centre of the screen, or browse for the CSV file:

If copying content from a browser tab or text file:

Press Ctrl A&nbsp;to select all the text, then open your Google Sheet and press Ctrl V&nbsp;in cell "A1".

Now that your data is in the sheet,&nbsp; click "A" above column A to select it.&nbsp;

Click the Data menu, and choose "Split text to columns".

A prompt will appear on the screen asking what Separator to use:

Click "Detect automatically" and choose Custom: