Excel Functions for Reformatting Data Files (CSV)

is a formula used to link information together. This is useful in combining data from separate columns and including specific syntax in order to create the fullname or shortname. 

is useful when you've used formulas to assemble information. A regular copy/paste will include the formulas, but a paste special allows you to paste the values generated by the formulas.

sometimes find and replace is helpful in reformatting data. For example if a column includes the class period as Period 1, Period 2 and you want to include P1, P2 in the course shortname, select the column then use find/replace to make the change. Find and replace will also allow you fix inconsistencies such as leading or trailing spaces.

 is a lookup formula that can be helpful in locating and pulling data from a list.  

this data summarization tool can automatically sort and count data. If you have a list of enrollments including the course information for each one, a pivot table may be useful in generating a list of courses or checking enrollment numbers.  

text to columns is a tool used to parse data. As long as there are consistent characters or spaces it's easy to split data into multiple columns. For example, if teacher name is included as "Last, First I" insert several blank columns after the name. Select the name column and use text to columns with comma and space selected as delimiters. The text will split into a new column at any comma or space.