How to specify all columns as "Text" in Text to Columns function in Data tab?

Question

I have data in a column that needs to be split into multiple columns using Text to Columns in the Data tab. However, there will be a variable amount of columns created for each row, variable from 1 - 1000. In the Text to Columns wizard Step 3, it defaults to 'General' format for all columns. My data involves very big numbers, and I do not want them trailed (rounded), so I need to set the format as Text.

This is a problem to do manually because I would have to go through every column and click Text, and the wizard doesn't even show all the columns unless you scroll. Ideas?

Answer 1

Although it is not exactly what you want (and I see you don't like the idea of scrolling), when you are presented the data preview showing each column as General.

You can select the first column header and holding the Shift key scroll to the right and select ALL of the columns at once.

Then select Text as the data format. Not the best, but better than selecting each individually.

Answer 2

Click the first column as you would do normally to change its format to text, but then scroll to the last column. Hold down Shift and click the last column.

This should select all the columns. Now, change the format and finish :)