Opening CSV files

Did your computer fail to open a CSV file? We explain what CSV files are and recommend software that we know can open or convert your CSV files.

What is a CSV file?

CSV stands for Comma Separated Values. Files that contain the .csv file extension are comma delimited files that contain separated database fields. These database fields have been exported into a format that contains a single line for each database record. The record is then divided and each field of the record that has been exported into a single line is separated by a comma.

Files with the .csv extension are very similar to plain text files. CSV files are commonly used to transfer data from one database or spreadsheet format to another. This allows individuals who do not run the same database applications to share database files between one another.