Power Query – Importing and Managing Data
Module 2: Importing and Managing Data
Objective
Learn how to import data from different sources and manage query settings.
Files Used
- Download Sales_January.xlsx
 - Download Sales_February.xlsx
 - Download Employees.csv
 - Download ProductList.txt
 
Importing Data from Excel
Steps:
- Go to the Data tab → Get Data → From File → From Workbook...
 - Select Sales_January.xlsx
 - In the Navigator window, select the sheet and click Transform Data
 
Importing Data from CSV
Steps:
- Go to the Data tab → Get Data → From File → From Text/CSV
 - Select Employees.csv
 - Click Transform Data
 
Importing from a Text File
Steps:
- Go to the Data tab → Get Data → From File → From Text/CSV
 - Select ProductList.txt
 - Set delimiter to Tab
 - Click Transform Data
 
Importing Multiple Excel Files
Scenario: Combine monthly files into one dataset.
Steps:
- Place Sales_January.xlsx and Sales_February.xlsx in the same folder
 - Go to the Data tab → Get Data → From File → From Folder
 - Select the folder and click Transform Data
 - In Power Query Editor: click Combine → Combine & Transform Data
 - Select the worksheet to use and confirm
 
Managing Queries
- Rename queries (right-click → Rename)
 - Disable load to sheet (right-click → uncheck Enable Load)
 - View query dependencies: View tab → Query Dependencies
 
Additional Exercise: Import Multiple CSV Files
Goal: Practice folder import using CSVs.
Steps:
- Save a few copies of Employees.csv with small changes (e.g. Employees_1.csv, Employees_2.csv)
 - Place them in a folder
 - Use Get Data → From Folder to combine them
 - Filter only Active employees
 - Load to a worksheet
 
Extension: Create a Parameter for Folder Path
Goal: Make your folder import dynamic.
Steps:
- In Power Query Editor → Manage Parameters → New Parameter
 - Name: `ImportFolder`, Type: Text
 - Use this parameter in the Folder source dialog
 - Tip: open Advanced Editor and replace the static path with `ImportFolder`
 
Return to Main Page
→ Continue to Module 3: Data Transformation Techniques