Importing ASCII data

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Level 1

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Importing ASCII data

I have a large number of space deliminated data files that under spreadsheet programs like OpenOffice and Excel have imported with no problems, i.e. all data is properly put in respective columns. In Numbers, these files import with all the data in one column. The program doesn't seem to provide an option to specify how an ASCII file's data is delimitated (comma, space, or tab). Reprocessing all the files to put them in CSV format is not an option, besides, I've found Number's CSV import to be a bit flakey at times.

Am I missing something? Is there a way to import ASCII files with data seliminated by spaces?

Thanks,
-jmj

Macbook 2.4 GhZ, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Feb 15, 2009 1:51 PM

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Answer 1

KOENIG Yvan

Level 8

41,845 points

Feb 15, 2009 2:12 PM in response to jmj_75

The CSV import behaves correctly if the CSV file matches the Numbers '09 requirements.

If the decimal separator is period the values must be separated by comma
If the decimal separator is comma the values must be separated by semi-colon.

May I assume that a separator between two fields is at least a pair of spaces ?

If the responce is YES, I will be able to post a script tomorrow.

Yvan KOENIG (from FRANCE dimanche 15 février 2009 23:12:50)

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Answer 2

jmj_75 Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 15, 2009 2:20 PM in response to KOENIG Yvan

Thank you for the response...

Writing a script to replace spaces with commas is not an issue. I was only curious if Numbers could do the import without having to convert the files to CSV format. It would be helpful if Numbers had more import options so that one wouldn't need scripts to go from some ASCII format to CSV and then back again.

-jmj

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Answer 3

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,856 points

Feb 15, 2009 2:36 PM in response to jmj_75

It would be helpful if Numbers had more import options so that one wouldn't need scripts to go from some ASCII format to CSV and then back again.

Let Apple know you wishes here:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/numbers.html

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Answer 4

KOENIG Yvan

Level 8

41,845 points

Feb 16, 2009 3:13 AM in response to jmj_75

jmj_75 wrote:
Thank you for the response...
It would be helpful if Numbers had more import options so that one wouldn't need scripts to go from some ASCII format to CSV and then back again.

_Go to "Provide Numbers Feedback" in the "Numbers" menu_, describe what you wish.
Then, cross your fingers, and wait _at least_ for iWork'10 😉

If you need to import such files at this time, the script would be useful.

Yvan KOENIG (from FRANCE lundi 16 février 2009 12:13:49)

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