Split and Merge Columns in Your Spreadsheet

Working with combined data fields is frustrating: full names when you need first and last, addresses crammed into one cell, category codes glued together. DataScrub's Column Manager splits and merges columns in seconds — no Excel formulas needed.

Everything runs in your browser. Your data never leaves your computer, and you can preview every change before committing to it.

How to Split a Column

1. Upload your CSV, Excel, or ODS file.
2. Select the column you want to split.
3. Set the delimiter — comma, space, tab, or a custom character.
4. Name the new columns that will be created.
5. Preview the split result.
6. Apply and download your updated file.

How to Merge Two Columns

1. Upload your file and switch to the Merge tab.
2. Select the two columns you want to combine.
3. Set a separator — space, comma, hyphen, or a custom string.
4. Name the result column.
5. Preview the merged output.
6. Apply and download.

When to Split vs. Merge

Split when one field contains multiple data points that belong in separate columns — for example, a full name field that should be first name and last name. Merge when you need a single combined field for display or export — for example, joining city and state into one location column.

A good rule of thumb: split for analysis, merge for presentation.

Tips for Working with Columns

• Use the profiler first to see what delimiters are present in your data.
• Preview before applying to catch edge cases — some cells may not contain the delimiter.
• Common split targets: full names, addresses, date and time, category paths (e.g., "Electronics > Audio > Headphones").
• When merging, pick a separator that does not already appear in your data to avoid ambiguity later.

Frequently Asked Questions