Format Atlas

Guides

Checking values and formulas before spreadsheet handoff

Agree on sheets and calculation results, then compare types, formulas and counts after export and reopening. This is a verification workflow, not format selection.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Record scope and calculation state
  • Compare exported values and structure
  • Reopen and test at the destination

Record scope and calculation state

Record sheets, rows and columns, whether to deliver formulas or values, the application and recalculation conditions. For results depending on external links or refreshes, retain the update time and checked values. Do not overwrite the original.

Compare exported values and structure

Excel CSV export targets the active sheet. Check output for each needed sheet; do not expect formatting or formula expressions to survive. Compare leading zeros, long identifiers, dates, decimals, blanks, line breaks and non-ASCII text.

Reopen and test at the destination

Use an import method that lets you specify encoding, delimiter and column types. Compare dimensions and sample values. Recalculate, save and reopen a test workbook copy. Do not refresh external data without agreement.

Formats to consider

XLSX

Good for: Editing formulas and multiple sheets in compatible applications

Less suitable for: Guaranteeing identical calculations merely because it opens

CSV

Good for: Exchanging agreed values from one table

Less suitable for: Automatically preserving formulas, formatting and all sheets

Before you export

  • Matching display does not prove identical stored types or values. Keep the original workbook, export settings and comparison results.
  • Address formula interpretation of untrusted values separately. CSV quoting alone is not protection; see the CSV injection Guide.

Related comparisons

CSV vs XLSXCSV exchanges plain table values. XLSX is a spreadsheet file that can retain formulas, formatting, and multiple sheets.ODS vs XLSXODS is the OpenDocument spreadsheet format, while XLSX is based on Office Open XML. Both support editable workbooks, but feature behavior and rendering can vary across spreadsheet applications and versions.

Guides

Choosing a Spreadsheet Exchange FormatUse CSV to exchange values in a single table. Choose XLSX when the recipient needs formulas, formatting, or multiple worksheets.CSV formula injection and safer exportsCSV quoting preserves field boundaries, but does not stop spreadsheet software from interpreting a cell as a formula. Choose an export strategy for the intended app and test it there.

References and specifications