We have a list from a client with no punctuation in the names of people.

For instance the names are like: "John A Smith", or "J A Smith" that may need to print like "John A. Smith", or "J. A. Smith".

We don't have any variable software except the InDesign basic so I think we'll have to manipulate the excel file somehow.

So I am thinking that there would have to be some kind of formula to add a period after a 1 character item or perhaps if it is <2 characters? I'm pretty limited to this kind of thing but thought someone might know.

I am not sure even if they would want this done but have learned in the past to anticipate the next move before it happens.

Googled it a bit but gotta admit it was hard to grasp.

Is it all in one column?

Please PM me with email address, my wife is like a power user compared to me. She is making an email with info and screen dumps I could forward to you.

I would put it on the back burner until they request it. And when they do tell them to fix the list.

That is how I Excel at Excel.

Yeah, we've had folks redo their data b4 too, but the wife has a plausible solution...
waiting for email to send to

Found it, it's really easy, Born give this to your wife, she may know a simpler way

https://knowledgebase.constantcontact.com/guides/KnowledgeBase/6142-separate-contacts-first-name-and-last-name-in-excel?lang=en_US

see below if you can see it

Quote from: Joe on August 21, 2018, 11:51:35 AMI would put it on the back burner until they request it. And when they do tell them to fix the list.

That is how I Excel at Excel.

But then don't you hear: The other printer knew how to do it!

Can't win in this business. 

Quote from: born2print on August 21, 2018, 12:00:05 PMsee below if you can see it

Thanks, i will definitely check this out when I get the chance!

There's a tool we have in here that can reorganize a column like that. It's called kutools. Might be worth a look.

https://www.extendoffice.com/product/kutools-for-excel.html

 :laugh:  I guess I didn't include how to put it back together.

Quote from: pspdfppdfxhd on August 21, 2018, 12:00:46 PM

Quote from: Joe on August 21, 2018, 11:51:35 AMI would put it on the back burner until they request it. And when they do tell them to fix the list.

That is how I Excel at Excel.

But then don't you hear: The other printer knew how to do it!

Can't win in this business. 

I'm in the final stages of grumpy old man syndrome. I'd tell them to take it back to the other printer then!

 

Oh I have done that too.... never goes over too well though.

Yeah sales hates it when we do that.

Their job is to talk to customers, but they don't want to-go figure.