.CSV file extension
To open .CSV files on Windows, right-click the .CSV file and select 'Open with'.
.CSV files can be opened using spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. To open a .CSV file, use a compatible app rather than renaming the file extension.
Last updated: March 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker
Open on your device
Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.
How to open .CSV files
Use these platform-specific instructions to open .CSV files safely.
Windows
- Right-click the .CSV file and select 'Open with'.
- Choose Microsoft Excel or another spreadsheet application.
Mac
- Control-click the .CSV file and select 'Open With'.
- Choose Numbers or a compatible spreadsheet app.
Linux
- Right-click the .CSV file and select 'Open With'.
- Choose LibreOffice Calc or another spreadsheet program.
iOS
- Open the .CSV file in the Files app and tap 'Share'.
- Select an app like Numbers to view the file.
Android
- Open the .CSV file from the Files or Downloads app.
- Select a spreadsheet app like Google Sheets to open the file.
Security notes
- Open .CSV files only from trusted sources to avoid malicious data.
- Be cautious of .CSV files that prompt for macros or scripts.
- Regularly update your spreadsheet software to patch security vulnerabilities.
Recommended antivirus software
Scan files before opening them. These antivirus tools help protect against malware and viruses.
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Can't open this file?
These are the most common causes and fixes when .CSV files fail to open.
Common reasons
- File opens with incorrect formatting
- Special characters not displaying correctly
Fix steps
- Check the delimiter used in the .CSV file (commas, semicolons, etc.).
- Configure the application to use the correct delimiter when opening the file.
OS-specific troubleshooting
Convert .CSV to other formats
Use conversion tools to change .CSV files into formats your software supports.
What is a .CSV file?
.CSV stands for Comma-Separated Values, a format that stores data in a tabular form with each line representing a data record. It is widely used for data exchange due to its simplicity and compatibility with many applications.
Background
.CSV files have been around since the early days of computing and are a staple for data interchange between different systems. They are particularly popular in business and data analysis contexts because they can be easily imported into spreadsheets and databases. Each line in a .CSV file corresponds to a row in a table, and fields within each line are separated by commas, making it easy to parse and manipulate data. Despite their simplicity, .CSV files can sometimes cause issues with data interpretation, especially if the data contains commas or line breaks. To mitigate this, some variations of the format allow for quotation marks to encapsulate fields. Due to its plain text nature, .CSV files are lightweight and can be opened and edited with basic text editors, though they are most commonly used with spreadsheet software.
Common MIME types: text/csv
Further reading
Authoritative resources for more details on the .CSV format.
Common .CSV issues
File opens with incorrect formatting
The .CSV file may not display correctly if the delimiter used in the file does not match the expected delimiter in the application.
- Check the delimiter used in the .CSV file (commas, semicolons, etc.).
- Configure the application to use the correct delimiter when opening the file.
Special characters not displaying correctly
Non-standard characters may not render properly if the file's encoding is not supported by the application.
- Ensure the file is saved with UTF-8 encoding.
- Open the file in a text editor and re-save it with the correct encoding if necessary.
FAQ
Can I convert a .CSV file to another format?
Yes, most spreadsheet applications allow you to save .CSV files in other formats like .XLSX or .ODS.
Why does my .CSV file show all data in one column?
This happens when the delimiter used in the file does not match the expected delimiter in the software. Adjust the delimiter settings in the application.
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