What is CSV?

CSV 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.

CSV stands for “comma-separated values”. Its data fields are most often separated, or delimited, by a comma. For example, let’s say you had a spreadsheet containing the following data.

A CSV is a text file, so it can be created and edited using any text editor. More frequently, however, a CSV file is created by exporting (File > Export) a spreadsheet or database in the program that created it. Click on a link below for the steps to create a CSV file in Notepad, Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, and Google Docs.

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