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Merging Excel files is a process that consolidates data stored in multiple workbooks into a single file. The goal is to create one structured workbook that compiles all sheets or datasets without losing format, formulas, or headers. To merge Excel files into one, follow one of the methods below based on your workflow, data structure, and version of Excel.

Method 1: Merge Files by Copying Sheets Into One Workbook

This method joins entire worksheets into a single file.

Windows and Mac

1. Open all the workbooks you want to merge.

2. Go to the workbook that will store the combined data.

3. Right-click any sheet tab at the bottom.

4. Select Move or Copy.

5. In the To book dropdown, select the destination workbook.

6. Select the sheet location.

7. Select Create a copy if you want to keep the original.

8. Select OK.

Method 2: Merge Files With Power Query (Best for Large Datasets)

Power Query imports and consolidates multiple Excel files stored in a single folder.

Windows (Power Query Built In)

1. Store all Excel files you want to merge in one folder.

2. Open a new workbook.

3. Go to Data → Get Data → From File → From Folder.

4. Select the folder containing the files.

5. Select Combine & Transform.

6. Review the preview window.

7. Select OK.

8. Load the final merged table to Excel.

Mac

Power Query on Mac supports folder imports in the current Excel versions.

1. Place the files into a single folder.

2. Go to Data → Get Data → From File → From Folder.

3. Select the folder.

4. Select Combine & Load.

Method 3: Merge Files Using Copy and Paste (For Non-Structured Data)

This technique moves data from multiple sheets and arranges it in one list.

Windows and Mac

1. Open the destination workbook.

2. Open the first source workbook.

3. Select the data range.

4. Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac).

5. Go to the destination file.

6. Select the cell where merging should begin.

7. Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

8. Repeat for all files.

Method 4: Merge Excel Files With VBA (Automation)

This method bulk-imports all files from a folder into one workbook.

Windows and Mac Compatible

1. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.

2. Select Insert → Module.

3. Paste the code:

   Sub MergeFiles()

       Dim FileDialog As FileDialog

       Dim FileObj As Object

       Dim FilePath As String

       Dim WS As Worksheet

   
   

       Set FileDialog = Application.FileDialog(msoFileDialogFolderPicker)

   
   

       If FileDialog.Show <> -1 Then Exit Sub

   
   

       FilePath = FileDialog.SelectedItems(1) & "\"

   
   

       FileObj = Dir(FilePath & "*.xlsx")

   
   

       Do While FileObj <> ""

           Workbooks.Open FilePath & FileObj

           For Each WS In ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets

               WS.Copy After:=ThisWorkbook.Sheets(ThisWorkbook.Sheets.Count)

           Next WS

           Workbooks(FileObj).Close SaveChanges:=False

           FileObj = Dir

       Loop

   End Sub

4. Close the editor.

5. Press Alt + F8.

6. Run MergeFiles.

7. Select the folder containing your Excel files.

When to Use Each Method

1. Copy Sheets: Works for simple workbook consolidation.

2. Power Query: Works for structured repeating tables or large datasets.

3. Copy and Paste: Works for partial data or mixed formats.

4. VBA: Works for automated batch merging.

Data Quality Checks After Merging

1. Validate column headers.

2. Check for duplicates.

3. Check for broken links.

4. Verify formulas recalculate properly.

5. Validate that all sheets or rows imported.

Let me know if you want me to create a ready-to-use macro tailored to your file structure or if you want instructions to merge by matching column headers.

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