How to Fix Text Import Wizard Splitting Multiline Cells in WPS Spreadsheets
Question details
The user needs to import a delimited text file containing multiline cell values without the legacy Excel Text Import Wizard splitting each line-feed into a new row.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Importing a text or CSV file that contains line breaks inside quoted cell values.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel legacy Text Import Wizard places line-feed content from a multiline cell into a separate row instead of preserving it within the original cell.
Check that multiline values in the source file are enclosed in a text qualifier, usually double quotation marks, and confirm the file delimiter before you start the import.
Import text files with WPS Spreadsheets and set the text qualifier
Use this method to replace the legacy Text Import Wizard and keep line breaks inside quoted cell values on one row.
WPS Spreadsheets imports delimited text files through the Data tab and uses the text qualifier to distinguish embedded line breaks from true row breaks.
In WPS Spreadsheets, click the Data tab, then choose Import Data > From Text/CSV.
Browse to the .txt or .csv file, select it, and click Open.
In the import preview, choose the delimiter used by the file and set the text qualifier to double quotation marks so quoted line feeds stay in one field.
Click Import, choose the destination cell, and confirm that multiline values appear in the same cell before saving the workbook.
Avoid the legacy wizard in Microsoft Excel with Power Query
Use this method if you are working in Microsoft Excel and need a refreshable connection to the source text file.
Import multiline text files correctly with WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Spreadsheets provides a built-in text import tool with delimiter and text qualifier settings, so embedded line breaks stay inside the original cell. It is a free, lightweight way to replace the legacy Excel Text Import Wizard without losing .xlsx compatibility.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and create or open a spreadsheet workbook.
- 2. Open the text import tool: Click the Data tab and choose Import Data > From Text/CSV.
- 3. Select and configure the file: Choose the source text file, set the delimiter and text qualifier to match the file, and check the preview.
- 4. Finish the import: Click Import, select the destination cell, and confirm quoted multiline values stay in one cell.
- 5. Save the workbook: Save the workbook in WPS Spreadsheets or as an Excel .xlsx file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Excel Text Import Wizard split my multiline cells?
The legacy wizard treats line-feed characters as row delimiters unless they are inside a recognized text qualifier. Power Query or WPS Spreadsheets import with a text qualifier setting is more reliable.
How do I import a CSV file with line breaks inside a cell in WPS Spreadsheets?
Use Data > Import Data > From Text/CSV, choose the delimiter, set the text qualifier to double quotation marks, and verify in the preview that multiline values remain in the same column.
Can I create a refreshable connection to the text file?
In Microsoft Excel, Power Query creates a refreshable connection. In WPS Spreadsheets, the standard import places the data in the worksheet, and you can re-import the file to refresh the result.
What should I check before importing a text file with multiline data?
Confirm that multiline values are enclosed in a consistent text qualifier, usually double quotation marks, and that the delimiter is the same throughout the file.
Does WPS Spreadsheets support Excel .xlsx files after import?
Yes, you can save the imported workbook as an .xlsx file and continue working with Excel-compatible formatting and formulas.
