.csv — Comma Separated Values File
N/A (Standardized format) · 1972
What is a .csv file?
A CSV (Comma Separated Values) file is a plain text file that stores tabular data (numbers and text) in a simple format. Each line in the file represents a data record, and each record consists of one or more fields separated by commas. CSV files are widely used for exchanging data between different applications and databases, especially when dealing with large datasets.
Programs That Open .csv Files
| Platform | Program | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Microsoft Excel | Paid | Official |
| LibreOffice Calc | Free | ||
| Notepad++ | Free | ||
| macOS | Apple Numbers | Free | Official |
| LibreOffice Calc | Free | ||
| TextEdit | Free | Official |
Common Problems with .csv Files
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary advantage of CSV files is their simplicity and widespread compatibility. Being plain text, they can be easily read and written by virtually any programming language, spreadsheet software, or database system, making them ideal for data exchange.
No, CSV files are designed to store only plain text data. They cannot directly embed images, charts, or apply complex formatting like bold text or cell colors. For such features, spreadsheet formats like XLSX or ODS are more suitable.
While the basic principle of delimited plain text is consistent, CSV files can vary in their specific delimiter (e.g., comma, semicolon, tab), text qualifier (e.g., double quotes), and character encoding. This variability sometimes requires users to specify these options when importing data.
Technical Details
CSV files are structured as plain text, with each line ending a record and typically using a comma (or other specified delimiter) to separate fields within that record. While there's no official "magic number" or byte signature, the first few lines often indicate header information or data structure, making them identifiable by content rather than specific file headers.