File Format Guide
What is a .CSV file?
The CSV format (short for Comma-Separated Values) is a structured-data format that stores its data uncompressed, keeping the exact original at the cost of larger files. Its text and formatting remain fully editable after you open it. CSV is an open, royalty-free standard that opens natively in every modern web browser.
.CSV at a glance
| Category | Document |
|---|---|
| Type | Structured-data |
| Compression | None |
| Open standard | Yes |
| Opens in web browsers | Yes |
| Typical file size | Small |
How to open a .CSV file
You can open CSV files with Excel, Google Sheets, and any text editor. If a program on your device cannot read one, the quickest fix is to convert it to a more common format — no software install required.
CSV pros and cons
Strengths
- universal tabular data exchange
- opens in any spreadsheet or text editor
- easy to import and parse
Limitations
- no formulas, formatting, or multiple sheets
- a single flat table only
What .CSV files are used for
- importing and exporting data
- database and analytics workflows
- moving tables between apps
Need to convert a .CSV file?
Convert CSV to and from other formats free in your browser — no signup to start, no watermarks.
Open the CSV Converter