This article teaches you to search and replace text strings in Microsoft Excel using a computer running Windows or macOS.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Open Microsoft Excel
It is usually found in the "All Programs" section of the menu
Step 2. Click on the file you want to edit
The document will be opened with Excel.
Step 3. Click Find and Select
This button is represented by a magnifying glass and is located in the upper right corner. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 4. Click Find
This option is at the top of the drop-down menu. A window titled "Find and Replace" will open.
Step 5. Click the Replace tab
It is located at the top of the pop-up window.
Step 6. Type the text you want to find
Make sure you don't enter extra spaces, as this will affect the search.
Step 7. Enter the replacement text
This text will replace what you entered in the first field.
Step 8. Click Options to customize the replacement
In this section you can decide whether to distinguish between upper and lower case, search only for text formatted in a certain way, search for specific data within formulas and so on. You can skip this step in case you just want to replace standard text with equally normal text.
Step 9. Click Replace All or Replace.
Select "Replace All" to automatically replace the entire document. Alternatively, click "Replace" to perform the first replacement only. If you select the latter option, you will need to click on "Find next" to see the next occurrence. Then, click on "Replace".
Method 2 of 2: macOS
Step 1. Open Microsoft Excel
This program is usually found in the "Applications" folder or in the Launchpad.
Step 2. Click on the file you want to edit
The document will be opened with Excel.
Step 3. Click on the Edit menu
It is located at the top of the screen.
Step 4. Click Find
Step 5. Click Replace
Step 6. Type the text you want to find
Make sure you don't enter any extra spaces, otherwise they will affect your search.
Step 7. Enter the replacement text
This text will replace what you entered in the first field.
Step 8. Click Replace All or Replace.
Select "Replace All" to automatically make replacements throughout the document. Instead, select "Replace" to make only the first replacement. In this case, you will need to click on "Find next" to see the next occurrence and then click on "Replace".
