This article explains how to batch summarize information from multiple Notepad txt files into Excel, including file path, name, extension, size, creation time, modification time, text encoding, number of text lines, and number of text characters. Through the file information statistics function of HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , users can import a large number of txt files from a folder, select detailed information of the text files, and then output a structured table, avoiding manually opening each file for viewing and recording. It is suitable for office archiving, text verification, and data delivery.
In an office environment, txt notepad files are often used to save plain text content, such as study records, reading notes, log files, export results, project descriptions, configuration snippets, and temporary memos. They are small in size and easy to open, but they also have a notable drawback: as their numbers increase, there is a lack of unified summary information between files, making it difficult for users to quickly know the full path, size, update time, encoding, line count, and character count of each txt file.
If you are only viewing one or two files, opening them manually is sufficient. However, if a folder contains dozens of txt files and you need to create an Excel file inventory, or even verify whether the text encoding of each file is consistent, whether the line counts are normal, and whether the character counts meet requirements, manual operation becomes inefficient. This is especially true for encoding checks, which a standard file list does not display directly; line counts and character counts also require additional tabulation. In such cases, using office software that supports batch file processing is more suitable.
This article will demonstrate how to use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool to batch summarize information from multiple notepad txt files into an Excel spreadsheet. The operation process revolves around the file information statistics function, with steps including entering the function, importing files, selecting text file detailed information, setting the save location, and starting the processing. The resulting spreadsheet can be used for filtering, sorting, archiving, delivery, and anomaly checking.
Applicable Scenario: Needing a reviewable txt file statistics sheet
Summarizing txt file information into Excel is most directly used for creating a file inventory. When many project materials are delivered or archived, it is necessary to state how many files there are in total, what each file is named, where it is saved, its size, and when it was created and modified. An Excel spreadsheet is more standardized than a simple folder screenshot and is easier to search.
Secondly, it is suitable for performing text content volume checks. Line count and character count can help determine if a file is empty, truncated, or abnormally large. For example, a batch of system-exported txt files should theoretically have similar line counts; if one file has a significantly lower line count, it is necessary to go back to the original file to check if the export was complete.
Again, it is suitable for performing encoding consistency checks. Notepad files from different sources may use different encodings. If the files are later read by scripts, imported into databases, uploaded to systems, or shared cross-platform, inconsistent encoding can cause garbled characters. By batch-statistical text encoding, you can first filter out files that require attention in Excel.
Furthermore, this method is also suitable for scenarios like content operations, teaching material organization, knowledge base maintenance, and pre-checks for log analysis. Whenever you are dealing with a large number of text files and need structured statistical results, the method in this article can be used.
Before Processing: Multiple txt files scattered in a folder
The image below shows the state before processing. Multiple txt files are arranged in the folder, with names like ClassNotesArchive, CourseSummaryText, ExamPreparationText, GrammarReviewLines, KnowledgeReviewText, etc. The user can see the file names and some dates, but cannot directly view the text encoding, text line count, and character count.
This is the exact pain point many users encounter: the files are all there, but the information is not centralized; the files can be opened, but statistics are inconvenient; paths can be copied, but batch organization is troublesome. If the manual method continues, it often requires switching back and forth between the folder, Notepad, and Excel, which is very inefficient.
After Processing: A complete file information summary is formed in an Excel spreadsheet
After processing is complete, the results will be presented in an Excel spreadsheet. Each txt file occupies one row, with file properties and text statistics information distributed across different columns. As seen in the screenshot, the header includes Path, Name, Name without extension, Extension, Size in bytes, Size, Name of the containing folder, Path of the containing folder, Creation time, Modification time, Text encoding, Text line count, Text character count, etc.
The advantage of this spreadsheet is its strong operability. To view all utf-8 files, you can filter the encoding column; to find the text with the highest character count, you can sort the character count column; to check file locations, you can view the path column; to organize materials by modification time, you can also directly use Excel's sorting function. Information originally scattered across multiple files is unified into a data table that can be reviewed and shared.
Operation Step 1: Find File Information Statistics in File Organization & Classification
After opening HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , first select File Organization in the left navigation bar. File Organization is a tool category for batch file management, suitable for handling tasks like file classification, folder statistics, and file information statistics.
Select File Information Statistics from the function cards. The description in the screenshot indicates that this function can batch-statistics information such as the name, path, size, time, and metadata of various files. Since the goal this time is to summarize the paths, line counts, character counts, and text encoding of multiple txt files into Excel, this function perfectly matches the requirement.
After selecting the function, the software will enter the File Information Statistics page. The top of the page displays the processing flow, including selecting records to be processed, setting processing options, setting the save location, and starting processing. This step-by-step design helps users complete batch tasks in order, avoiding the omission of key settings.
Operation Step 2: Add the Target txt Files to the Statistics List
On the page for selecting records to be processed, you can add txt files by adding files or importing files from a folder. If the files are numerous and centrally located, it is recommended to use Import Files from Folder, as this can import files from the target directory at once, reducing the time spent selecting files one by one.
After importing, the list will display the Sequence Number, Name, Path, Extension, Creation Time, and Modification Time. The screenshot shows 20 records, indicating that 20 txt files have been batch-imported. It is advisable to perform a check at this point: confirm whether the file names fall within the scope of this statistics task, whether the paths point to the correct directory, whether the extension is txt, and whether the number of records matches the actual number in the folder.
If there are unwanted files in the list, you can remove them via the operation column; if an import error occurred, you can clear the list and re-import. After completing the check, click Next. The goal of this step is not to generate results immediately, but first to establish an accurate list of files to be processed. The more accurate the list, the more reliable the final Excel summary table.
Operation Step 3: Select Text File Detailed Information to Obtain Encoding, Line Count, and Character Count
After entering the Set Processing Options page, the software will display additional information options. Here, you can select detailed information for different file types, such as Word file detailed information, Excel file detailed information, PPT file detailed information, PDF file detailed information, Text file detailed information, and Picture file detailed information.
The target for this processing is notepad txt files, so you need to select Text file detailed information. This option determines whether the results will include Text encoding, Text line count, and Text character count. If it is not selected, the exported results might only contain general file properties, failing to meet the statistics objectives of this article.
After selecting the checkbox, click Next. For mixed folders that also contain doc, docx, xlsx, pdf, and other files, you can choose other detailed information options based on your actual needs. However, to avoid having too many fields in the results table, it is recommended to select precisely according to the task goal. This example only counts txt files, so simply focus on selecting Text file detailed information.
Operation Step 4: Set the Excel Output Location and Start Statistics
After completing the processing options, continue following the wizard to enter the Set Save Location step. The save location is where the generated Excel statistics result will be stored. It is recommended to use a clear directory, such as a project material summary folder, a text statistics results folder, or a new directory next to the original folder, for easy retrieval later.
Next, enter the Start Processing phase. The software will batch-read the txt files in the list, count their basic file attributes and text detailed information, and generate an Excel spreadsheet. This process replaces the manual operations of opening each file individually, checking its encoding, calculating line counts, and recording character counts.
After processing is complete, open the output Excel file to see fields such as Path, Name, Extension, Size, Time, Text encoding, Line count, and Character count. If some date columns display as pound signs in Excel, it is usually just due to insufficient column width; widening the column will allow proper viewing.
How to Understand the Key Fields in the Statistics Results
Path: Used for locating the original txt file. The path field is crucial for archiving and review, especially when files come from different directories, as it prevents confusion caused by relying only on file names.
Name and Name without extension: The Name includes the .txt suffix, while the Name without extension is more suitable for use as a title, number, or for matching with other system fields.
Extension: Used to confirm the file type. In this example, it is mainly txt; if other file types were imported, you can quickly filter them using the extension column.
Size and Size in bytes: Size in bytes is suitable for precise comparison, while the Size column is better for human reading. The combination of both can be used to assess file volume.
Creation Time and Modification Time: Used to understand the generation and update status of files. This is very helpful for material archiving, version verification, and project delivery.
Text Encoding: Used to determine the encoding format of the txt file. Different encodings can affect opening and import results, and require particular attention during cross-system processing.
Text Line Count and Text Character Count: Used to measure the scale of the text content. Line count is suitable for checking the number of records, and character count is suitable for evaluating content length.
Common Questions and Precautions
1. Why can I see txt files in the folder, but not their encoding and line count? File Explorer mainly displays basic properties like file name, date, type, and size, and does not directly show text encoding and line count. You need to use a File Information Statistics function to read the text detailed information.
2. Do I need to select the files one by one? If the files are concentrated in the same directory, you can use Import Files from Folder to add multiple txt files at once. Adding files individually is suitable when files are scattered or you only need to count a few.
3. What should I do if the counted encodings are different? First, filter using the Text Encoding column in Excel to confirm which files do not match the target encoding. Deciding whether encoding conversion is needed depends on the subsequent usage scenario. The focus of this article is on statistics and summarization, not on encoding conversion operations.
4. Can I count docx, doc, xlsx, pdf, and other files? The File Information Statistics page shows detailed information options for Word, Excel, PPT, PDF, etc., indicating that this function is not only for txt files. The focus of this article is txt text statistics, so simply select Text file detailed information during operation.
5. How to ensure the accuracy of the results table? The key is to confirm the file list is correct during the import stage and select the correct detailed information in the processing options. After processing is complete, you can spot-check a few files against the Excel results for verification.
Summary: Use Excel Summarization for Clearer txt File Management
Information statistics for multiple notepad txt files might seem like a small task, but they can be very time-consuming in practical office work. Path, name, size, and time can be partially seen from file properties, but text encoding, line count, and character count are difficult to obtain directly from the file list. Using the File Information Statistics function of HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , you can summarize this information into an Excel spreadsheet in one go.
For users who frequently organize materials, verify texts, deliver files, or manage logs, this batch processing method can significantly reduce repetitive work. When faced with a large number of txt files, it is recommended to stop opening them one by one for inspection. Instead, first import the folder, select Text file detailed information, generate an Excel inventory, and then use the spreadsheet to complete filtering and checking. This not only improves efficiency but also makes the statistical results more standardized and easier for subsequent review.