How to use the Flash Fill function to filter data in Excel 2013

Flash Fill first appeared in Excel 2013. This feature helps you separate first names, dates, email addresses, and much more data with just a few steps. It's fast, simple, and doesn't require formulas.

Ways to use the Flash Fill function in Excel 2013

1. Separate first and last names in Excel

You have a column containing full names. Use Flash Fill to split it into two columns: one for the last name, and one for the first name.

2. Combine the first and last names, separated by commas.

You have a column containing first and last names. Use Flash Fill to separate them into: last name, comma, and then first name.

3. Separate the first letter of the full name.

The list below contains full names. Use Flash Fill to extract the first letter and place it in two separate columns.

4. Phone number format

Use Flash Fill to format phone numbers. You can add parentheses or hyphens for better readability.

5. Unzip the text before the @ symbol in the email address.

With Flash Fill, you can easily separate the part before the @ symbol in an email address.

Note : The Flash Fill function cannot recognize changes to the source data.

Flash Fill does not update when you change the original data. Unlike formulas, it does not automatically correct the generated results. Therefore, it should only be used when the data is stable and does not need to be modified later.

Additionally, you can save time by  filtering data between sheets . Taimienphi has shared this trick; you can refer to it for more information.

Excel has many other   useful functions for handling character strings . You can learn more about them on Taimienphi to apply them to your work.

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