truncating text

[BedHead]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I have been trying to figure out a shorthand way to truncate some text I am downloading from a grading program. I know "TRUNC" is for numbers, but I just mean a quick way to limit the size so I only get the first 7 characters of text in each cell. I tried setting up a custom formula, but the data is already in there, so it doesn't seem to be able to do this after the fact. I found the RIGHTB and LEFTB Japanese formulas a little intimidating, so is there something easier I'm overlooking? I am downloading a new spreadsheet each time, so I am looking for a way to paste in a quick formula or formatting after the fact, once I already have the data.

Sorry if this is so basic -- I did try looking through Excel help and this forum first.

Thanks.

 

[Bob Greenblatt]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I have been trying to figure out a shorthand way to truncate some text I am
downloading from a grading program. I know "TRUNC" is for numbers, but I just
mean a quick way to limit the size so I only get the first 7 characters of
text in each cell. I tried setting up a custom formula, but the data is
already in there, so it doesn't seem to be able to do this after the fact. I
found the RIGHTB and LEFTB Japanese formulas a little intimidating, so is
there something easier I'm overlooking? I am downloading a new spreadsheet
each time, so I am looking for a way to paste in a quick formula or formatting
after the fact, once I already have the data.

Sorry if this is so basic -- I did try looking through Excel help and this
forum first.

Thanks.

If the text is in A1, then in B1 the formula =left(A1,7) will give you the
first 7 characters. Fill down. Then copy paste special values to remove the
formulas.

 

[BedHead]

Thank you! Worked like a charm!