Excel ConVersion

[Urendi Maleldil]

How do I use Excel to help create se4 data files? I don't know all the ins and outs of Excel and editing the data files as text files is very time consuming. I know several of you guys have mentioned using Excel to input/output large numbers of data entries, but I can't figure it out.

So, how do you do it?

[Andr�s]

I hope this helps, I’ll post some examples when I get to post an updated Version of the sci-fi crossover mod.

Converting data files into Excel files is a little complicated.
Here’s how I do it:
1- Open the data file in word and erase heading and ending.
2- replace all black lines ^p^p with a marking symbol I use html symbol <br>
3- replace all enters ^p and all := with tabs ^t
4- replace all marking symbols <br> with enters ^p
5- copy and paste into excel
6- edit to remove all redundant columns, add top cells and align columns of items with different number of req techs, number of abilities etc.

To convert the Excel spreadsheet into se4-like text just use Word’s mailmerge function.

[Urendi Maleldil]

Great. I've successfully imported stuff into Excel, but I can't understand the mailmerge thing.

[Andr�s]

Ok
Note: my msWord is in Spanish, and I'm trying to re-translate command names into English, so actual names may differ from what I post here.

1- Start by making a blank entry document that looks something like this:
Name :=
Description :=
Pic Num :=
[....]
leave a blank line in the end so you entries are separated once the doc is merged
2- Select Tools > Mail Merge
3- In main document select Create > Prototype Letters. It will ask you if you want to use the active win or create a new one, for this example use the active one.
4- In data source select Open and pick your excel file select all spreadsheet and modify main doc
5- insert the appropriate combination field after all :=
6- use merge in new document to create the se4 entries you can then add to the data file.

[Urendi Maleldil]

Gracias

I'll try that tonight.