Issue with deleting text from CSV file in Numbers

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Level 1

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Issue with deleting text from CSV file in Numbers

We are converting an Exel File into a CSV File by way of Numbers, in an effort to upload contacts into my Contacts database on my MacBook Air. The Contacts database does not like the CSV file and I am pretty sure it is because there is text in the phone number column. So a cell may read

"Office: 323.555.1212"

Before I change 600+ cells by manually taking out the word "cell" or "office" from these cells, I wonder if there is a way to format the column such that the text is ommitted. Thanks!

MacBook Air, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on May 13, 2013 1:59 PM

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Answer 1

May 13, 2013 2:43 PM in response to gergenson

Gergenson,

The most likely reason that Contacts doesn't like your CSV files is that they don't have the right fields.

The best, and only practical way, to format a table for eventual import to Contacts is to first create a Numbers table template with a record from Contacts. Drag a Contact from your Contacts app to a blank part of a Numbers Sheet. This will create a table with the proper columns for import to Contacts after you fill it with your external data. There will be only a few columns showing, so you must "Unhide All Columns". Then you will see, by looking at the labels in the Header Row, where you data must be located.

Jerry

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Answer 2

Yellowbox

Level 7

20,383 points

May 14, 2013 2:52 AM in response to gergenson

Hi gergenson,

Find and Replace in Numbers.

Edit > Find > Show Search (command f) will bring up a search box:

Click on Find and Replace.

In the Find box, type Office: followed by two spaces (there are two spaces in your example).

Leave the Replace box empty.

Click on Replace All.

Repeat this for Cell.

That editing process will replace the Find text with nothing, and will leave the rest of the cell contents unchanged.

Regards,

Ian.

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