Convert EXCEL to CSV

Understanding Excel and CSV file formats

Excel is a spreadsheet program developed by Microsoft, widely used for data organization, analysis, and storage. Excel files typically have the extensions .xls or .xlsx. These files can contain multiple sheets, complex formulas, charts, and formatting.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple file format used to store tabular data, such as a spreadsheet or database. A CSV file stores data in plain text, with each line representing a data record. Each record consists of one or more fields, separated by commas. CSV files are widely used for data exchange between different applications.

Why convert Excel to CSV?

Converting Excel files to CSV format is often necessary for data import/export between different software applications, ensuring compatibility and ease of data manipulation. CSV files are lightweight and can be opened by various programs, making them ideal for data sharing.

How to convert Excel to CSV

To convert an Excel file to CSV, you can use Microsoft Excel itself or other software tools. Here’s how you can do it using Excel:

• Open the Excel file you want to convert.
• Go to File → Save As.
• Select the location where you want to save the file.
• In the Save as type dropdown menu, choose CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv).
• Click Save.

Best software for Excel to CSV conversion

While Microsoft Excel is the most straightforward tool for converting Excel files to CSV, there are other software options available:

• LibreOffice Calc: A free and open-source spreadsheet program that can open Excel files and save them as CSV.
• Google Sheets: An online spreadsheet tool that allows you to upload Excel files and download them as CSV.
• Online converters: Websites like Zamzar or Convertio offer free online conversion services for Excel to CSV.