But the app is writing the file as .xls so doesn't that make it an excel
file? I can make the app write any way I want is there some way to write so
formatting is retained?

"Dave Peterson" wrote:

If the data is saved as a text file (tab delimited), then the formatting won't
be saved.

Maybe you could start a new workbook
record a macro when you open the text file
keep recording as you format your data the way you like
and then stop recording.
(and close the text file)

Then add a button from the Forms toolbar to the first worksheet in that workbook
with the recorded macro. Assign the macro to this button.

Then whenever you need to import the text file, you can open this workbook and
click the button.

grok wrote:

I have an app that appends to a .xls file (tab delimited). I open excel and
then use File - Open to open the file read-only.

But every time I do it I have to go thru the Text Import Wizard and I lose
all my formatting. I need a way to go thru the wizard just the first time
and retaining the formatting.

--

Dave Peterson