How do I make text to columns work in Excel?

Answer 1

Text to Columns (found on the Data Ribbon) can split the contents of one cell into multiple cells.  For example, it can separate the name in one cell,  "John Smith", into two cells, "John" in one and "Smith" in the other.

You can separate depending on a delimiter such as a comma, or a fixed amount of space you determine. 

 

The Text to Columns wizard does a pretty good job of walking you through the process.

Answer 2

Are you asking about formatting?  If you want to widen the column to display the text - highlight the column, and double click on the right side of the column.  To format the column - click on format, column and you will have many options.  Hope that answered your question.