CSV File Extension
Comma Separated Values Format
- File Type csv
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Excel
- Category Text Files, Database Files
- Format Text
What is a CSV file?
Comma Separated Values Format works with the CSV file extension and is classified under Text Files and Database Files, with a total of 581 files.
CSV file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. You can open a CSV file using one of 41 programs, for example RecordEditor, OpenOffice Calc and LibreOffice Calc.
MIME types
- application/vnd.ms-excel
- application/vnd.msexce
- application/excel
- text/csv
- text/comma-separated-values
- text/anytext
- application/csv
Programs that support CSV files
Windows
RecordEditor
OpenOffice Calc
Microsoft Excel- reCsvEditor
Corel Quattro Pro
LibreOffice Calc- Full Convert Enterprise
KMLCSV Converter- vmsg2csv
Microsoft Access- Quick Pallet Maker
Navicat Premium
Weka- OFX Converter
- CSV2XML
Microsoft Outlook- Pyspread
Skrooge- Nokia NbuExplorer
- PSI-Plot
- SoftSpire vCard Converter
- dbf
- MIDICSV Converters
- CSV to vCard
- Open Contacts
- PTab Spreadsheet
OneSafe- vcf2csv
- MimioStudio
- CSV2OFX
QuickBooks
Mac OS
Linux
How to open a CSV file?
The most common reason why a CSV file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
When it comes to opening and working with CSV files, RecordEditor, OpenOffice Calc and LibreOffice Calc are the top choices for users. If you want the most recent release of Microsoft Excel, head over to the Microsoft site and download the version designed to run on all platforms.
When you finish installing Microsoft Excel, the system will automatically launch CSV files with it.
Set Microsoft Excel to open CSV by default
Changing Default Programs in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your CSV file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Find the Microsoft Excel application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening CSV files.
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired CSV file to access the file’s context menu;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Microsoft Excel. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Easy CSV Troubleshooting
When facing challenges with CSV files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.
What Causes Microsoft Excel to Crash Frequently?
Microsoft Excel crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Microsoft products.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.
How can I restore a damaged CSV file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged CSV file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted text files.
What are the signs that my CSV file is damaged?
Common indications of damaged CSV text files are:
- Editing the archive in RecordEditor results in slow or unresponsive behavior;
- File hangs or crashes in Microsoft Excel or other programs;
- The file does not open or opens with errors;
- Unexplained increase in CSV file size;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
How to edit a CSV file?
To edit CSV files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the text files. Online CSV editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Comma Separated Values Format.
Best CSV editors in 2026
After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of CSV editors available for use.
| CSV Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corel Quattro Pro | Corel | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| Numbers | Apple | Mac OS, Apple iOS | 4.6 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| OpenOffice Calc | OpenOffice | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (48 reviews) |
| LibreOffice Calc | TDF | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.5 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| reCsvEditor | SourceForge | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.5 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
| CSV Editor Pro | Canyua | Mac OS | 4.4 out of 5 (45 reviews) |
| Microsoft Excel | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Apple iOS, Android | 4.4 out of 5 (41 review) |
| RecordEditor | SourceForge | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.4 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
Convert to and from CSV
If working with a CSV file is challenging, one solution is to convert it to formats like PDF, RTF, MIDI, XLS, DOC or other supported formats.
Keep in mind that converting a CSV file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.
Offline software options such as Full Convert Enterprise, OpenOffice Calc and KMLCSV Converter guarantee lossless conversion of CSV files.