CSV File - opening and understanding
Did your computer fail to open a CSV file? We explain what they are used for and recommend software that we know can open or otherwise handle 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.
How to open CSV files
You will need a program compatible with the specific file you are trying to open, as different programs may use files with file extension CSV for different purposes.
While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different CSV openers which you will find listed below.
Suggest another file format using extension CSV
While we know of one file format using the .CSV file extension, there may be more. It is widespread that different programs use files with the same file extension for very different types of data. Please let us know if you are aware of a different kind of .CSV file.
Various viewers for this file format
These apps are known to open certain types of CSV files. Remember, different programs may use CSV files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.
 | Free File Viewer | User submitted |
 | Microsoft Office | User submitted |
 | OpenOffice.org Calc | User submitted |
 | Kingsoft Office | User submitted |
 | LibreOffice | User submitted |
 | Microsoft Excel | User submitted |
 | LibreOffice Calc | User submitted |
 | Hancom Office Hancell | User submitted |
 | WPS Office | User submitted |
 | Microsoft Web Platform Extensions | User submitted |
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