How to Use Split Columns in WPS on Windows

Use Split Columns with 3 task topics covering opening the wizard, setting delimiters, and setting column formats and the destination range; you can jump to each topic from the How-to Index.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Open Split Columns and select data

Entry point: Data tab → Split Columns

1. Open the spreadsheet that you want to process.
2. Select the column data that you want to split.
3. Check that there are enough blank columns to the right of the target column for the split results.
4. Click Split Columns on the Data tab to open the dialog box.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The Split Columns dialog box opens.
• Next actions: You can continue to the delimiter setup step.
• No side effects: The original data is not immediately overwritten before you finish.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: Running Split Columns without reserving blank columns may overwrite existing data on the right.
• Environment limits: In a collaborative sheet, it is helpful to confirm whether other members are editing adjacent columns before you proceed.

2. Set delimiters and preview results

Entry point: Split Columns dialog box → delimiter selection area

1. In the delimiter area used for splitting data, select the delimiter that matches your data.
2. If the existing options do not match the data format, select Other and enter a custom delimiter.
3. To avoid extra blank columns, select the option to treat consecutive delimiters as one.
4. Review the data preview area and confirm that the split result matches your expectation.
5. Click Next to continue, or click Finish directly after confirming the result.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The preview area shows the split result based on the selected delimiter.
• Next actions: You can continue to set column data types and the destination range.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: Choosing the wrong delimiter can produce an unexpected number of columns.
• Environment limits: When the source data is inconsistent, review the preview carefully before finishing. This is a practical way to split text into columns accurately.

3. Set column data types and the destination range

Entry point: Split Columns dialog box → column data type area + destination box

1. In the data preview area, click a column that you want to format individually.
2. In Column data type, choose General, Text, Date, or Do not import column (skip).
3. In the Destination box, confirm or change the output location. You can also select a cell to set the location.
4. If you need to change the delimiter settings, click Back.
5. After confirming the settings, click Finish to run Split Columns.

Success Criteria

• UI state: The split result is written to the destination range.
• Next actions: You can continue editing, filtering, sorting, or saving the spreadsheet.
• No side effects: Columns marked as skip are not imported into the destination range.

Tips While Using

• Common mistakes: An incorrect destination range can overwrite existing data.
• Environment limits: In collaboration mode, the result is written directly into the current sheet and synced to collaborators.