Microsoft Excel - Importing and exporting data

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Importing and Exporting Data in Microsoft Excel

1. Importing Data into Microsoft Excel

Excel allows you to import data from various sources such as text files, databases, and the web.
Steps:

1. Open Excel and go to the Data tab.
2. Click Get Data → choose the source (e.g., From File, From Database, From Web).
3. Browse and select your file or connection.
4. Preview the data and click Load to import it into Excel.

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2. Importing Data from Text Files

You can import .txt or .csv files containing delimited data (commas, tabs, etc.).
Steps:

1. Go to Data → Get Data → From File → From Text/CSV.
2. Choose the file and click Import.
3. In the preview window, choose the correct delimiter (comma, tab, etc.).
4. Click Load or Transform Data to edit before loading.

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3. Importing Data from Microsoft Access

Use this option to connect Excel with an Access database and pull tables or queries.
Steps:

1. Go to Data → Get Data → From Database → From Microsoft Access Database.
2. Select the Access file (.accdb or .mdb).
3. Pick the table or query you want to import.
4. Click Load to bring the data into Excel.

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4. (New Version) Import Data from Text Files into Excel

The latest Excel versions (Office 365, Excel 2021+) use Power Query for importing.
Steps:

1. Go to Data → Get Data → From File → From Text/CSV.
2. Power Query opens automatically — preview and format data.
3. Choose Load to sheet or Load to Data Model for advanced analysis.

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5. (New Version) Import Data from a Database into Excel

You can import directly from SQL Server, Oracle, or other supported databases.
Steps:

1. Go to Data → Get Data → From Database.
2. Select the database type (e.g., SQL Server).
3. Enter the server name, database, and credentials.
4. Select the tables or views to import, then click Load.

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6. Microsoft Excel Legacy Import Options for New Excel Versions

Newer Excel versions still support legacy wizards for backward compatibility.
Steps:

1. Go to Data → Get Data → Legacy Wizards → From Text (Legacy).
2. Choose your file and follow the step-by-step import wizard.
3. Use this when older formatting or delimiters don’t work properly in Power Query.

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7. Exporting Data to a Text File

You can export your Excel worksheet data as a .txt or .csv file for use in other applications.
Steps:

1. Go to File → Save As.
2. Choose a location and select Save as type → CSV (Comma delimited) or Text (Tab delimited).
3. Click Save.
4. Excel will warn that only the active sheet is saved — click OK to confirm.