Segment CSV Data with Excel – Fastory

After exporting your CSV file from Fastory, you need to open it correctly to make the most of your results. This guide shows you how to convert the file into a clear, readable Excel spreadsheet so you can analyze your contacts, your leads, and the answers collected during your contests.

What is it for?

A CSV file contains all your raw data (contacts, leads, contest answers, and so on), but the way it displays can vary depending on the software you use. By splitting it into columns, you turn that raw data into a workable spreadsheet, ready to be sorted and analyzed.

This method works with Microsoft Excel, but also with Google Sheets, Numbers (Mac), or OpenOffice. You can then use your data for your gamification campaigns, your event lead collection, or your fan experience activations.

Convert a CSV file into an Excel spreadsheet

Depending on your version of Excel, the CSV file's formatting may vary and look confusing. Here is how to split your data into separate columns.

Open your CSV file in Excel.

Select column A, then open the Data tab and click the Text to Columns button.

Choose the Delimited option, then click Next.

Check the Comma separator, then click Next.

Select the General format, then click Finish.

Your data is now split into multiple columns.

Fix special characters displayed instead of accents

If your file shows strange characters instead of accents, the issue comes from the encoding. Here is how to fix it.

Open a blank Excel workbook, click File, then Import.

Select the CSV format, then import your file.

Change the file origin and select Unicode (UTF-8).

Check the first three options offered, then click Finish.

Choose the first cell where your data should appear so it fits correctly into the workbook.

Your accents now display correctly.

Best practices

Check which separator is used (comma or semicolon) before running the conversion.

Always import your files in Unicode (UTF-8) to preserve accents and special characters.

Once your data is formatted, save the file in .xlsx format to keep the column structure.

If you need to work with several people, open the CSV in Google Sheets instead.

Concrete use cases

If you want to identify the winners of a contest

Sort your columns by score, date, or email to spot your top participants and measure their engagement.

If you want to feed your CRM

Check the encoding of your export, then import the CSV file: most CRMs accept this format directly.

If you want to analyze your marketing performance

Split your contacts into columns to cross-reference your criteria (profile, answers, date) and optimize your next campaigns.

FAQ

How do I open a CSV file without Excel?

You can use Google Sheets, Numbers (Mac), or OpenOffice to read and edit a CSV exported from Fastory for free.

Why does my data appear in a single column?

This comes from the separator used (comma or semicolon). Use Excel's Text to Columns feature to fix the display.

What is the best tool for reading a CSV?

Excel remains the most complete option, but Google Sheets is a free alternative, ideal for collaborating online on your Fastory exports.

Can I import a Fastory CSV directly into my CRM?

Yes, most CRMs accept CSV files. Just check the encoding format before importing.

How do I analyze my contest results with a CSV?

Sort your columns by score, date, or email to identify your winners and measure your participants' engagement.

Can I convert a CSV into an Excel file (.xlsx)?

Yes, simply open the file in Excel and save it in .xlsx format to keep the formatting.

Why use Fastory for data collection?

Because the platform combines gamification, fan experience, and lead collection in a single tool, which then makes it easy to analyze your data through your CSV exports.