# Questions? We have answers.

## Summary

Learn about the process of transforming for import into MindBridge a general ledger file exported from NetSuite.

---

## Notes/Prerequisites

This guide assumes that you have exported a CSV file from NetSuite in the following format, as detailed in the [NetSuite: Export the general ledger](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360058018553) guide.

---

## Transform the data

### The problem

The **Account** column contains the **Account ID**, followed by a space, followed by **Account Description** (for example, 1000 Checking). The **Account ID** is a required field in MindBridge, while the **Account Description** is an optional field. Hence, the **Account** column must be separated into two columns with **Account ID** and **Account Description**.

### The solution

Split **Account ID** and **Account Description** into different columns. This can be done by:

1. Using MindBridge's [split columns](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056395794 "https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360056395794-Splitting-Columns") feature during column mapping (this is the preferred approach)
   - You can split columns in MindBridge by position if all Account IDs are of the same length, or split on the space character if they are not; or
2. Formatting using the "Option 2" steps:

#### Option 2: Instructions/formulas for formatting in Excel

- Add an **Account ID** column (in column K in the example below). Input the following formula:

```
=LEFT(D2,SEARCH(" ",D2)-1)
```

####

- **SEARCH**(" ",D2) finds the position of the space character in cell D2 (Account). We then subtract 1 from that position to get the number of characters of the Account ID (4 characters for Account ID "1000")
  - **LEFT**(D2,) extracts the leftmost number of characters from that account string. In this case, the first 4 characters in cell D2, "1000"

- Add an **Account Description** column in column L.

```
=MID(D2,SEARCH(" ",D2)+1,LEN(D2))
```

- **SEARCH**(" ",D2) finds the position of the space character in D2 (Account) similar to the formula above for Account ID. We then add 1 from that position to get the starting position of the **Account Description**("C" in D2)
  - **MID**() extracts the **Account Description** text from the middle of the field (D2) by starting at the position of **SEARCH**(" ",D2)+1 for a specified number of characters determined by **LEN**(D2)

#### For more information

- [Ungroup and split: Extract complex patterns](https://support.mindbridge.ai/hc/en-us/articles/1500008146382/) — consult this guide to split out complex account patterns.
