One of the most annoying thing about computers is that things can be very black or white; it is either correct, or not. One small thing out of place that we cannot figure out can not only waste our time, but just keeps adding grey hairs to the top of our heads.... if there is any hair left.

A topic that can be a pain is the integrity of your data in your database. Have you tried to import Group Codes and have the importer tell you that your codes are incorrect (even when you have verified it looks the same)? or import many values to custom field drop-downs to find out it didn't import it correctly? Majority of the time, these issues can be invisible to the naked eye, like the dreaded... EXTRA SPACE!

Can you imagine if you had a whole spreadsheet full of these spaces?! Well, unfortunately, it happens. But, there is a way you can fix this sort of issue. In Excel, there is a function called TRIM. This function is used to remove all white-space around the contents of the cell without removing any spaces inside your content.

Here are the steps to using the TRIM function to remove these spaces:

1. INSERT a new column to the right of the affected column. This can be done by right clicking the column to the right and selecting "Insert".
   


2. In the second cell of the new column, type in "=TRIM" and press tab to auto-complete.
   


3. Once the formula is ready to accept the parameter, click on the cell to the left. This should be the first cell that is in the affected row. Then, complete the formula by closing the parenthesis and copy the formula down.
   

Hooray! You've successfully eliminated unnecessary white-spaces! Below, you will find a video that walks you through the entire process. Enjoy!