No more COMMA DRAMA! In this video I will show you how to change the default comma delimiter in Excel when making .csv (comma separated value) files. Sometimes text fields in your file have comments that you need to preserve in a flat file. This means you have to change the delimiter. Watch the video for a demonstration and keep reading for a quick reference.

I should note that as of the time of this post I am using Windows 10 Home.

Step 1

Search for “Set Regional Format”

Step 2

Select Additional date, time & regional settings

Step 3

Select Region

Step 4

Select Additional Settings

Then in the List Separator box, change the comma to a pipe.

When you save your .csv file in Excel, it will now be pipe delimited instead of comma delimited.

Your flat file will transition from this:

to this

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Anthony B. Smoak

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