How to Fix Missing TEXTSPLIT, TEXTAFTER, and TEXTBEFORE in Excel for Mac
Question details
The user needs to use the newer text manipulation functions (TEXTSPLIT, TEXTAFTER, and TEXTBEFORE) in Microsoft Excel for Mac but is unsure of their availability.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to split or extract strings of text using the latest Microsoft 365 text functions on a Mac device.
- Observed behavior
- The functions may show up as missing or unrecognized depending on the user's specific Excel version, OS build, and Microsoft 365 update channel.
Verify that you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, as these specific text functions are generally not included in standalone, one-time purchase versions like Office 2019 or Office 2021.
Update Excel for Mac to the Latest Version
Check for software updates to ensure your Excel installation meets the minimum build required for these functions.
These functions were initially rolled out to users in the Beta Channel running Excel Version 16.60 Build 22030400 or later on Mac. Since features are released gradually, installing the latest updates increases your chances of receiving them.
Launch Microsoft Excel on your Mac. Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'Help', and select 'Check for Updates'.
If the Microsoft AutoUpdate utility finds newer versions, click 'Update' to download and install them.
Once the update is complete, restart Excel and type '=TEXTSPLIT(' into a cell to see if the function is now recognized.
Switch Your Microsoft 365 Update Channel
Change your update channel to Beta or Current Channel (Preview) to get earlier access to newly released functions.
Try WPS Office for Seamless and Free Data Management
If your current Excel version lacks the latest functions or you want to avoid complicated subscription tiers, WPS Office is a fantastic free alternative for Mac users. It provides robust text processing tools without forcing you to manage update channels.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office version tailored for macOS.
- 2. Open Your Excel File: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx document directly. All original formatting will be preserved.
- 3. Process Text Data Easily: Use the built-in 'Text to Columns' tool under the Data tab, or leverage traditional functions like LEFT, RIGHT, and FIND to split your text without needing experimental updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are TEXTSPLIT, TEXTAFTER, and TEXTBEFORE returning a #NAME? error?
The #NAME? error usually means your current version of Excel does not recognize the function. This happens if you are using an older version of Excel, a one-time purchase version like Office 2019/2021, or if the feature has not yet rolled out to your Microsoft 365 update channel.
What is the minimum Excel for Mac version needed for these text functions?
The functions initially became available to Mac users in the Microsoft 365 Beta Channel running Version 16.60 (Build 22030400) or later.
How can I split text in Excel if I don't have the TEXTSPLIT function?
If you do not have TEXTSPLIT, you can highlight the cells you want to separate, go to the 'Data' tab, and click 'Text to Columns' to split your data using delimiters like commas or spaces. Alternatively, you can use a combination of LEFT, RIGHT, MID, and FIND functions.
