Data Import & Export

How to Import a Large CSV File with an Asterisk Delimiter in Excel

Huda Qurayshi Oct 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to import a large CSV file into Excel where the data fields are separated by asterisks instead of standard commas.

How to Import a Large CSV File with an Asterisk Delimiter in Excel

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Importing non-standard, large CSV data using a custom asterisk delimiter.
Observed behavior: Excel does not automatically parse the asterisk delimiters correctly upon opening, requiring the use of the Text/CSV import feature to specify a custom delimiter.

Before you start

Ensure you know the exact file path of your large CSV file and verify that the data uses asterisks as the primary separator before beginning the import process.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the 'From Text/CSV' Feature to Set a Custom Asterisk Delimiter

Use the modern Power Query data import tool in Excel to specify an asterisk as a custom delimiter when loading large CSV files.

Modern versions of Excel use the Power Query engine to handle CSV imports, providing a robust interface for defining custom data structures.

This method avoids the issue of data bunching into a single column by explicitly telling Excel which character serves as the divider.

Open a new workbook

Launch Excel and open a blank workbook where you want to import your data.

Access the Import tool

Navigate to the Data tab on the ribbon and click on 'From Text/CSV' located in the 'Get & Transform Data' group.

Select your CSV file

Locate your large CSV file in the file explorer, select it, and click 'Import'.

Set the custom delimiter

In the preview window that appears, click the 'Delimiter' dropdown menu, select 'Custom', and then type an asterisk (*) in the text box that appears next to it.

Load the data

Review the data preview to ensure your columns are split correctly. Once verified, click the 'Load' button at the bottom of the window to insert the parsed data into your spreadsheet.

Use the 'From Text/CSV' Feature to Set a Custom Asterisk Delimiter

Data Transformation: If you need to change data types or remove unwanted rows before importing, you can click 'Transform Data' instead of 'Load' to open the Power Query Editor.

Seamless Data Import in WPS Office

Easily Import Custom CSV Files with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly compatible and user-friendly Text Import Wizard, allowing you to quickly open large CSV files and specify custom delimiters like asterisks without hassle.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and start a new blank spreadsheet.
2. Initiate the import: Navigate to the Data tab on the top menu ribbon, click 'Import Data', and select 'Import Data' from the drop-down to open the wizard.
3. Select your data source: Click 'Select Data Source', choose your CSV file from your computer, and proceed to the Text Import Wizard.
4. Set the custom delimiter: Choose 'Delimited' in the first step and click Next. In the delimiters section, check the 'Other' box and type an asterisk (*).
5. Finish the import: Preview your columns, adjust data formats if necessary, and click 'Finish' to successfully load your custom delimited data into the worksheet.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats (.xlsx, .csv).Intuitive Text Import Wizard built specifically for customizing delimiters.Lightweight software architecture that handles large data sets smoothly.Free to download and use for your everyday data management tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel put all my CSV data into a single column?

If Excel does not recognize your file's delimiter (such as an asterisk instead of a standard comma), it will not split the data automatically. You must use the Text/CSV import feature to manually specify the correct delimiter.

Can I use multiple characters as a delimiter in Excel?

Yes. When using the 'From Text/CSV' import tool via Power Query, you can split columns using multiple characters. This offers greater flexibility than the older Text Import Wizard.

How do I fix formatting issues after importing a large CSV file?

Before clicking 'Load' in the import preview window, click 'Transform Data'. This opens the Power Query Editor, where you can adjust data types, remove blank rows, or format columns before bringing them into your Excel spreadsheet.

Is there a row limit for CSV imports in Excel?

Yes, a standard Excel worksheet can load up to 1,048,576 rows. If your CSV file exceeds this limit, you will need to load it directly into the Data Model instead of a worksheet to process the data.

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