What Is a CSV File?
A CSV (Comma Separated Values) file is a simple text file used to store data in rows and columns, where each value is separated by a comma. It’s one of the most common formats for sharing data between different tools and platforms.
What Does CSV Stand For?
CSV stands for Comma Separated Values. It is a simple file format used to store tabular data, such as a spreadsheet or database. Files in the CSV format can be imported to and exported from programs that store data in tables, such as Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice Calc.
What Is CSV Format?
A CSV file is a text file that has a specific format which allows data to be saved in a table structured format.
Key characteristics include:
Key characteristics include:
- Each line of the file is a data record.
- Each record consists of one or more fields, separated by commas.
- The use of the comma as a field separator is the source of the name for this file format.
What Is a CSV File Used For?
CSV files are primarily used for data exchange between different programs.
Common use cases:
CSV files are often created by converting data from other formats such as JSON, TXT, Excel (XLSX), or XML.
Common use cases:
- Exporting contacts from smartphones to import into Google Contacts.
- Transferring product data from an e-commerce platform to a shipping tool.
- Saving spreadsheet data in a format that can be read by any text editor.
CSV files are often created by converting data from other formats such as JSON, TXT, Excel (XLSX), or XML.
CSV Example Explained
This is how a CSV file looks when opened in a text editor like Notepad or VS Code:
Name,Email,Phone Number
John Doe,john@example.com,555-555-5555
Jane Smith,jane@example.com,555-555-1234
Bob Jones,bob@example.com,555-555-6789The first line is often the header, which defines the column names. Each subsequent line represents a row of data.
CSV vs Excel (XLSX)
While both CSV and Excel (XLSX) files store tabular data, they have significant differences. Many users search for 'csv in excel format', but it's important to understand they are not the same.
| Feature | CSV | Excel (.xlsx) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Plain Text | Binary (Proprietary) |
| Formatting | None (Raw Data) | Rich (Fonts, Colors, Borders) |
| Formulas | Not Supported | Supported |
| File Size | Small & Lightweight | Larger |
| Compatibility | Universal (Any Text Editor) | Requires Excel or Compatible App |