File Extension Database

Open CSV File

CSV file extension is most commonly used by Comma-Separated Value files, which are used extensively by spreadsheet and database applications to transfer data. These may also be referred to as Comma-Separated Variable files. CSV files are also used by Boso View Express Train Simulator to store railway information, though these are far less common.

Comma-Separated Value CSV files contain tabular data in plaintext, with each new line in the file representing an individual record or table row. Within a single record are fields which represent data for each column in the table. These are separated by commas, which allow spreadsheet or database applications to distinguish between data items. These can then be imported to provide a complete table or database structure. In the event that a comma is required within a data item, such as in a product description, for instance, it must be enclosed in another character so that the software importing the CSV is aware not to regard the comma that follows as an end-of-field marker. Double quotes are typically used for this purpose in CSV files, whilst other delimited files tend to use escape characters such as a backslash.

Comma-Separated Value lists predated personal computers, and was originally used in the days of punched cards as these made entering data easier and less error-prone. Now, practically every spreadsheet and database application is capable of handling and opening CSV files, as its widespread support and simplistic model make it an ideal format for the transfer of data between applications. CSV files are what as known as delimited files, meaning their contents are separated by a character, which in this case is a comma. Most applications also support the use of alternative delimiting characters, which can be defined when data is imported or exported.

You can open CSV files by almost any spreadsheet or database application. Examples of these include Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, Lotus Symphony and Microsoft Access. Data can also be imported directly into databases such as MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server. As data is stored in plaintext, it is also possible to open and edit CSV files in any text editor.

Typical CSV application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\EXCEL.EXE /e
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\EXCEL.EXE" /dde

Typical CSV mime types:

application/vnd.ms-excel

Frequently used application names to open CSV files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Excel.CSV

How Can I Open CSV File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CSV file is to find a CSV file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CSV file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CSV file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CSV file opener then try to search online for "CSV viewer", "application to open CSV file" or "open CSV file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CSV file

How Can I Open CSV File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CSV file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CSV file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CSV file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CSV file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CSV file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CSV file then try to search for "CSV viewer", "application to open CSV file" or "read CSV file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CSV file

How Can I Open CSV File on Android

If you downloaded a CSV file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CSV file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CSV".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CSV viewer", "CSV file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CSV File on iPhone or iPad

To open CSV File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CSV file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CSV". This way you can find apps which can open CSV files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CSV viewer" or "CSV file" online in your favorite search engine.