How do I fix a field length?

[Guest]

I need to 'fix' a field length to 15 characters (last name field) in order to
export to a comma deliminated ASCII text file to then be imported into
another database program. I am NOT familiar with macros and visual basic
code, so if a reply involves writing a macro to get the result I need, please
be as specific as possible.

Thank you very much in advance.

-K

 

[Bernie Deitrick]

Karina,

Use another sheet, filled with formulas like:

=LEFT(Sheet1!A1& REPT(" ",15),15)

and copy down and across as far as you need. Then copy and pastespecial
values, then do your export.

HTH,
Bernie
MS Excel MVP

 

[Guest]

Fill the whole sheet with that formula?

It is only one colum I need to be fixed to 15 characters in length.

All other columns in the spreadsheet can be varied lengths.

 

[Bernie Deitrick]

Karina,

Fill one column on your original sheet with that formula, and then copy the
formulas and pastespecial values over the original data, and delete the
formula column. Then do your export.

HTH,
Bernie
MS Excel MVP

 

[Guest]

Thank you Mr.Deitrick .... you are a genius and my new best friend!
That worked marvelously.

Now ... I shall look back at other questions to see how to combine the last
name and first name into one cell ..... "Smith Joe" (in addition to
that padded cell formula).

Thank you so much!
... Karina (not the Karina from previous posts in this discussion group)