When exporting data to Excel, the formatting is sometimes not what you need. For example, if names are capitalized in the original source, they will also be capitalized in the exported data.
There is a fast fix for this.
Using formulas, you can convert text to all uppercase, all lowercase, or sentence case (first letter of each word capitalized). In a new column, begin by typing the equals sign (=) to start a new formula. Then, use one of the following formulas:
- UPPER – uses the information from the target cell, creating a cell with all uppercase letters
- LOWER – uses the information from the target cell, creating a cell with all lowercase letters
- PROPER – uses the information from the target cell, creating a cell with an uppercase first letter of each word and all others lowercase.
Finally, enclose the cell name of the targeted cell in parenthesis. The formula to change cell B1 to sentence case (PROPER) is shown below.
![Excel screen shot showing formula to change cell to sentence case](https://sites.psu.edu/engritconsulting/files/2016/07/Excel-change-case.jpg)
The formula circled above will create a cell that utilizes information from Cell B1. The resulting cell will contain the information from B1, capitalizing the first letter of each word.
You can easily repeat the formula down the column with autofill. Click on the green square at the lower right of a cell. Excel will use the formula to complete the cells you highlight. The formula will be adjusted to coordinate with the targeted cell.
![Excel screen shot showing autofill](https://sites.psu.edu/engritconsulting/files/2016/07/Excel-copy-formula-1.jpg)
Click on the small, green square in the lower right corner of a cell. Then, drag to highlight the cells you wish to change. Excel will adjust the formula for you.
This method can also be useful if you inadvertently left the Caps Lock on.