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LocalFileLab
File formats at a glance.Formats

CSV file: delimiters, table values and reliable imports

.csv

CSV stores tables as plain text. Each line normally represents a record and fields are separated by commas, semicolons or other characters. This simplicity is also the source of many import problems.

Format at a glance

Full name
Comma-Separated Values
File extensions
.csv
MIME types
text/csv;charset=utf-8
Category
Text and data
Compression
Depends on the contained codec
Transparency
Not applicable
Animation
Not applicable
Properties

Suitable tools

Convert filesCompression

What is this format?

CSV means Comma-Separated Values, although regional software often uses semicolons or tabs. Quotes protect fields containing delimiters, line breaks or quote characters.

There is no single completely uniform CSV dialect. Encoding, decimal separators, headers and date representations must be agreed between producer and recipient.

What is it used for?

  • Data exchange between spreadsheet programs
  • Database import and export
  • Analysis with Python, R or command-line tools
  • Simple machine-readable lists

Which programs can open it?

  • Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc
  • Google Sheets after upload
  • Visual Studio Code and text editors
  • Python, R and database tools

Support across devices and browsers

Windows

CSV opens in text editors and suitable spreadsheet, development or data tools.

macOS

TextEdit, development editors and format-specific applications can read CSV.

Linux

Text editors, command-line tools and programming libraries support CSV.

Android

Text and data editors can open CSV, with varying validation and editing features.

iOS

Files-compatible editors and development tools can display CSV.

Browsers

A browser can show the text, but correct presentation or validation requires a suitable parser.

Advantages

  • Simple, open and human-readable
  • Supported by nearly every data tool
  • Small files without complex document structure

Disadvantages

  • Inconsistent delimiters and encodings
  • No types, formulas or formatting
  • Awkward for large or nested data

Comparison with alternatives

CSV vs. XLSX

XLSX stores types, formulas and formatting; CSV contains only flat text values.

CSV vs. TSV

TSV uses tabs and avoids some comma conflicts but still needs escaping rules.

CSV vs. JSON

JSON represents nested structures and types, while CSV is more direct for classic tables.

LocalFileLab support

InputSupported

CSV is recognized as an input. Text is read locally and handled by the matching parser.

OutputSupported

CSV is available as a local output; available settings depend on the format.

CompressionSupported

LocalFileLab can compress CSV locally or package it in a supported archive; already compressed content will not necessarily become smaller.

PreviewNot supported

A complete CSV preview is not currently available.

MetadataNot supported

Complete preservation of format-specific metadata is not guaranteed.

Related formats

INI.iniJSON.jsonMarkdown.markdownYAML.yaml

Frequently asked questions

Why does Excel split CSV columns incorrectly?

Excel follows regional delimiters, encoding and automatic type detection. Using the import dialog prevents many errors.

Can CSV contain multiple sheets?

No. One CSV normally represents one flat table without worksheets.

Can CSV store formulas or colors?

No. Spreadsheet features require a format such as XLSX or ODS.