
CSV (Macintosh): This format helps save data in a comma-separated text file that is usually compatible with the Mac operating systems. CSV (comma delimited): This format helps save data in a comma-separated text file that is usually compatible with other supported Windows software and Windows operating systems. The latest version of Excel (Excel 365) supports the following CSV formats: However, the encoding of CSV varies depending on its selected type. In particular, the CSV file format makes it easier to import/ export data between different programs and diagnose problems.Īs the name suggests, the data within the CSV files are usually separated using commas. The main advantage of this file format is that we can use it in the most relevant programs and systems. Generally, a CSV file format stores the tabular data (both text and numbers) in plain text that can be accessed or viewed using the modern text editor and spreadsheet programs. Due to all these features, the Excel spreadsheet formats XLS and XLSX cannot be accessed using a text editor program such as Notepad. The Excel spreadsheet stores data within cells formed by the intersection of rows and columns. The primary advantage of these Excel formats is that we can store advanced formatting, functions, formulae, and other useful objects like pictures, clip arts, shapes, charts, etc. The data stored in these file formats can only be viewed using any spreadsheet programs like Excel, Google Spreadsheets, OpenOffice, etc. The XLS file format is used for Excel 2007 and earlier versions, while the XLSX file format is used on Excel 2010 and higher versions. The XLS and XLSX are the default file formats for Excel spreadsheets. Before we learn the methods or solutions on how to convert Excel to CSV, let us first briefly discuss the introduction of XLS/XLSX and CSV files: Excel Spreadsheet (XLS or XLSX) When we talk about converting Excel to CSV, we often refer to converting XLS/XLSX file formats of Excel documents into CSV file formats. The CSV is another popular file format that is often used in Excel. Additionally, the software supports almost all popular document formats, and there may be cases when we may need to convert between different formats.Įxcel supports various file formats however, the default file extension for Excel files is XLS or XLSX. It is a powerful spreadsheet program that lets users record huge datasets of various types. Microsoft Excel is one essential spreadsheet program that comes bundled with the Microsoft Office suite.
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