Create Visitor Badge IDs
I need to combine 'Visitor Name' and 'Date' to create a unique text string for the badge printer.
=CONCATENATE(A2, "_", TEXT(B2, "YYYYMMDD")) How it works: This formula combines the visitor's name from column A with their visit date from column B. The `TEXT(B2, "YYYYMMDD")` part is crucial as it formats the date into a consistent 'YYYYMMDD' string, ensuring it's text-friendly for concatenation and provides a unique, unambiguous identifier. The underscore `_` acts as a clear separator between the name and the date, making the badge ID readable and distinct.
Data Setup
| Visitor Name | Visit Date |
|---|---|
| Alice Smith | 2023-10-26 |
| Bob Johnson | 2023-10-26 |
| Charlie Brown | 2023-10-27 |
Step-by-Step Guide
Open your visitor log in Excel, ensuring you have columns for 'Visitor Name' and 'Visit Date'.
In a new column (e.g., Column C), enter the formula `=CONCATENATE(A2, "_", TEXT(B2, "YYYYMMDD"))` in the first data row (e.g., C2), assuming 'Visitor Name' is in A2 and 'Visit Date' is in B2.
Press Enter to see the unique badge ID generated.
Drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right of cell C2) down to apply the formula to all other visitor rows.