How to Break Excel File into Multiple Files? Best Techniques
Summary: If you are also frustrated with large Excel files and want to manage data easily, then this write-up will show you how to break Excel file into multiple files using the copy and paste method, the Move or Copy in-built option, the Save As option, Power Query, and VBA Macro. And also, if you have larger Excel files to open, then you can use the mentioned automated solution to divide Excel sheet data.
Managing a large Excel file can be challenging for any user, whether your file contains thousands of rows, multiple sheets, or complex formulas. And performance issues like slow loading, crashing, or file corruption can occur due to large files. Resolving these issues, breaking up a large Excel file into multiple files, can be the best way to manage files.
Let’s explore what are the major reasons to break Excel file into multiple files and how we can resolve the issue one by one.
If you are unable to access a large file or your file keeps crashing, then download the SysTools Excel Splitter Tool. It’s one of the best and direct solutions to divide Excel into multiple files without opening and crashing. You just have to upload your file, choose the Split option, and the software will save your output results in XLSX format. Download the free version now and try how it works.
Why Dividing an Excel File into Multiple Files?
Here are some points mentioned on how smaller files make the performance and work smoother after being divided:
- Smaller files can be opened easily and more quickly, which reduces the system lag.
- Users can easily manage their smaller files than larger ones.
- Also, you can share your files with anyone without having any file size limitations.
- A smaller Excel file has a minimum chance of corruption due to its large size.
How to Break Excel File into Multiple Files?
Dividing your Excel files is not a big task, but using the right method is required. We are going to use 7 different methods, including 6 manual techniques and 1 automated solution. Follow the given methods to break up a large Excel file:
- Using the Copy and Paste Technique
- Move or Copy Sheet Method
- Separate by Filters or Categories
- Break Excel File into Multiple Files using the Save As Option
- Using Power Query
- Using VBA Macro (Automated Manual)
- Divide Excel into Multiple Files Automatically
Let’s start the methods one by one with proper steps.
#1: Using the Copy & Paste Technique
This is the basic method to create a separate Excel file to manage data.
- Open your MS Excel file.
- Choose any rows and columns.
- Use the “Ctrl + C” key to copy the data.
- Open a new blank worksheet.
- Now use “Ctrl + V” to paste the copied data here.
- Now save this newly created file and provide a name.
- And now repeat the same process for the remaining data.
#2: Move or Copy Sheet Method
If you want to break files according to each sheet of Excel, then this method will be a good option to break Excel file into multiple files.
- Open your file, which contains multiple sheets.
- Right-click on the “Sheet” tab that you want to save separately.
- Select the “Move or Copy” option.
- A dialog box will appear:
- Choose the “New Book” under “To Book”.
- Check the “Create a Copy” (optional).
- Choose the “OK” icon to open a new Excel with that sheet’s data.
- Save this file with a different name.
- Repeat the process for the rest sheet data.
#3: Separate by Filters or Categories
- Open your Excel file.
- Apply the filter on the column that you want to break.
- Choose the first category, example: Sales.
- Copy the filtered rows and paste them into a new workbook.
- Now save this file in .xlsx format.
- Now repeat the same process for each category.
#4: Break Excel File into Multiple Files using Save As Option
- Launch your Excel spreadsheet.
- Open your file here.
- Select the range as per need.
- Head to the “File” >> “Save As” options.
- Select the “CSV or XLSX” format from the “Save As” list.
- Provide the name of the file.
- Delete the moved portion from the original file and repeat for the next section.
#5: Using Power Query
- Open your Excel workbook.
- Head to the “Data” >> “Get Data” >> “From File” and then “From Workbook” options.
- Load the large Excel files into the “Power Query”.
- Apply filters and conditions as per need.
- Use the “Close & Load To” → Table to load the filtered data into new sheets.
- Save each sheet separately to break Excel file into multiple files.
#6: Using VBA Macro (For Technical Users)
- Launch Excel spreadsheets.
- Use “Alt + F11” to open VBA editor.
- Choose the “Insert” and then “Module” option.
- Use the mentioned codes in the editor:
- Hit the “F5” key to run the code.
- Now each sheet will be saved as a separate Excel file.
#7: Break Excel File into Multiple Files Automatically
Download the mentioned solution to divide Excel into multiple files for better management and to prevent the data file from being corrupted and damaged. This software can easily break Excel file into multiple files without opening and crashing the data file.
It supports all types of files exported from any Excel version. Also, it maintains the original data even after separating files. It offers multiple filters and settings for a smooth process:
How to Divide Excel into Multiple Files? All Steps
- Download the given solution properly on your system.
- Select the “Split Excel” option from the main screen.
- Import your files and folders using the “Add Files/Folders” option.
- Browse the location of the Excel file and upload it using the “Open” icon.
- Select the “Next” button to break Excel file into multiple files.
- Choose any “Split Option” as per need, and then save the location using the “Change” button.
- Select the “Split” option and, after completing the process, choose the “OK” icon.
- Use the “View Report” button to open the report of the procedure.
Who Should Use this Solution to Divide Excel Files?
Here we have explained the top features of this solution to break Excel file into multiple files, so that you can understand who should use this tool:
- It’s a two-in-one solution to merge Excel files into one and divide Excel into multiple files. So, there is no need to purchase separate solutions.
- You can work with one or multiple Excel files in bulk at the same time without having any restrictions.
- It provides three different Split Options to divide the file by Row, Size, and Sheet; you can choose according to your needs.
- You can choose the location to save the output file using the Browse button.
- It provides an output file in XLSX format, which is a modern format.
- It supports only XLSX and XLS formats to upload large Excel files.
- It maintains the original data integrity and Excel file data without changing any data.
Final Comment
This blog has explained the top 7 methods to break Excel file into multiple files, including manual methods and professional solutions. If you have one or two Excel files that can be accessed, then go for the manual methods. However, for the large Excel file, you should go for the professional solution, which comes with amazing and phenomenal features and settings to divide Excel into multiple files. For any query, you can contact us through live chat support.