Compare
CSV vs ODS
CSV is a text format for exchanging values and does not preserve formulas, formatting, or multiple sheets. ODS is an editable spreadsheet workbook that can retain sheets, formulas, and formatting.
Which format should you choose?
Choose CSV for a single table of values when formatting and formulas are unnecessary. Choose ODS when people need to keep editing a workbook with multiple sheets or formulas.
Good fit for CSV
Tabular-data exchange
- Transferring one simple table between applications
Good fit for ODS
Editable spreadsheet exchange
- OpenDocument-compatible collaboration
Basic information
| Field | CSV | ODS |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .csv | .ods |
| MIME type | text/csv | application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet |
| Common uses | Tabular-data exchange | Editable spreadsheet exchange |
| How to open | When importing into a spreadsheet, set the character encoding and delimiter. Check that leading zeros, date-like values, and long numbers are not automatically converted. | Open it in an ODS-compatible spreadsheet application and check formulas, charts, and print settings. |
| Export or convert | Exporting XLSX to CSV normally writes values from only one selected sheet. Keep formulas, formatting, other sheets, and charts separately. | When converting to XLSX, check functions, formatting, charts, and data validation. |
Choose by use case
Transferring one simple table between applications
Tabular-data exchange
CSVOpenDocument-compatible collaboration
Editable spreadsheet exchange
ODSKey point 1
CSV represents tabular values as text separated into rows and fields.
More on the differencesKey point 2
ODS is an OpenDocument spreadsheet workbook that can contain editable sheets, formulas, and formatting.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Use CSV for simple data exchange between apps, after agreeing on encoding and delimiter. Use ODS for continued spreadsheet editing, and test compatibility in the recipient's software.
- CSV does not preserve formulas, formatting, charts, or multiple sheets.
- ODS can retain workbook features, but conversion between spreadsheet applications may change formulas or appearance.
- When importing CSV, watch for delimiter, encoding, leading-zero, and automatic date or number conversion issues.
Frequently asked questions
Does CSV keep formulas or cell formatting?
No. CSV stores plain tabular values. Use a workbook format such as ODS when formulas, formatting, or multiple sheets must remain editable.
Can CSV preserve multiple ODS sheets?
A typical CSV file represents one table; export sheets separately or use a workbook format if multiple sheets must remain together.