Spreadsheets
What is a CSV file?
CSV is a text format that represents tabular data with rows and delimiters. It suits simple table exchange but does not retain XLSX formulas, formatting, or multiple sheets.
.csvPlain-text tabular-data format
When to choose this format
- Transferring one simple table between applications
When to avoid this format
- Keeping formulas, formatting, or multiple sheets
Common uses
- Tabular-data exchange
Features
- Uses rows and delimiters for columns
- Handles a table equivalent to one sheet
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Easy to pass to many spreadsheet and data tools
- Shares values without formatting in a lightweight form
Disadvantages
- Does not retain formulas, formatting, multiple sheets, or charts
- Encoding, delimiter, dates, and leading zeros can change values
Open and convert
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.
How to convert
Exporting XLSX to CSV normally writes values from only one selected sheet. Keep formulas, formatting, other sheets, and charts separately.
Cautions
- Confirm encoding, delimiter, line-break, and quotation rules with the recipient.
- Check important columns after import for automatic conversion.
- For untrusted CSV, check import settings so initial characters are not interpreted as formulas.
FAQ
Does CSV preserve Excel formatting?
No. Use XLSX or another format when formulas, formatting, or multiple sheets must remain.
Can values change when CSV opens in Excel?
Yes. Encoding, delimiters, leading zeros, date-like values, and long numbers can be interpreted automatically.