[Fixed!] CSV UTF 8 Not Available in Excel

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Have you ever faced a situation where you cannot encode a CSV file in the UTF-8 format, and you’re not sure how to fix it? Then, this article can help you solve the problem because we’ll explore 3 solutions when CSV UTF 8 is not available in Excel. In addition, we’ll also learn to convert CSV UTF 8 online and preserve special characters.


CSV UTF 8 Not Available in Excel: 3 Solutions

Let’s assume the Project Checklist dataset shown in range B4:C13, which contains a list of tasks and their status respectively. Here, we want to convert this Excel file to CSV UTF-8 format.

Dataset for csv utf 8 not available in excel

Here, we have used the Microsoft Excel 365 version; you may use any other version according to your convenience.


1. Using Excel’s Save As Option

Let’s begin with a simple method that involves using the Save As option in Excel.

📌 Steps:

  • Go to the File tab.

Using Excel Save As Option

  • Choose the Save As option >> click the Browse button.

Browsing file location

  • Choose the CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) option >> click on Tools drop-down >> move to Web Options.

Selecting Web options

  • Click on the Encoding tab >> Select Unicode (UTF-8) >> Hit OK.

Fixing csv utf 8 not available in excel with Save As option

Read More: How to Encode Data in Excel


2. Utilizing Notepad App

We can also employ the Notepad application to encode CSV files in UTF-8 format.

📌 Steps:

  • Navigate to the File tab >> Go to the Save As option >> Select Browse location as shown previously.
  • Select the CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) option >> Hit the Save button.

Utilizing Excel and Notepad

  • Right-click on the CSV file >> Open the file with Notepad.

Opening with Notepad

  • Use the CTRL + SHIFT + S shortcut to activate the Save As option.

  • Choose UTF-8 encoding >> Press the Save button.

fixing csv utf 8 not available in excel with Excel and Notepad options

Read More: How to Change Encoding in Excel


3. Applying Text Import Wizard

Conversely, Excel’s Text Import Wizard can also apply UTF-8 encoding to a CSV file.

📌 Steps:

  • Open Microsoft Excel >> Proceed to the Data tab >> Click the Get Data drop-down >> In the Legacy Wizards, select the From Text (Legacy) option.

Applying Text Import Wizard

  • Locate the CSV file in the file explorer >> Click the Open button.

  • Select 65001 : Unicode (UTF-8) encoding in File Origin box >> Check My data has headers >> Press Next.

Using 65001 : Unicode (UTF-8) encoding

  • Check the Comma Delimiter >> Click on Next.

Choose Comma Delimiter

  • Hit the Finish button to complete the process >> Apply the CTRL + S to save the CSV file.

Fixing csv utf 8 not available in excel with Text Import wizard

Here, you can see the steps of the Text Import Wizard in real-time in the GIF given below.

Text Import Wizard steps


How to Convert Excel to UTF-8 CSV Using Online Converter

For one thing, we can also convert an Excel file to CSV UTF-8 online.

📌 Steps:

  • Go to the Convertio website >> Click the Choose Files button.

How to Convert Excel to UTF-8 CSV Online

  • Upload the Excel file >> Choose the CSV format >> Hit the Convert button.

Uploading excel file and converting to CSV

  • Download the CSV file by clicking the Download button.

Download CSV file


How to Convert Excel to CSV UTF-8 with Preserving Special Characters

Last but not least, we can preserve any foreign symbols or characters when converting from Excel to CSV by choosing the UTF-8 encoding. In this case, let’s consider the List of Currency and Symbols dataset shown in the B4:C11 cells which displays a list of Currency and their Symbols respectively.

Dataset for How to Convert Excel to CSV UTF-8 (Preserving Special Characters)

📌 Steps:

  • Jump to the File tab at the top left corner of the Home ribbon.

Move to File tab

  • Navigate to the Save As option >> Choose Browse.

  • Select CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (*.csv) option >> Press the Save button.

Selecting CSV UTF 8 encoding

Open the CSV file to check for foreign symbols and characters.

Preserved Foreign symbols in the CSV file

I have skipped some of the processes of converting an Excel file to CSV by saving it, which you may explore if you wish.


Practice Section

We have provided a practice section on the right side of each sheet so you can practice yourself. Please make sure to do it by yourself.

Practice Section for csv utf 8 not available in excel


Download Practice Workbook


Conclusion

This article describes some quick and easy fixes when CSV UTF 8 is not available in Excel. Now, we hope you find it useful and will share your thoughts in the comments section. Visit our website for more articles like this.


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Eshrak Kader
Eshrak Kader

Hello! Welcome to my Profile. I completed my BSc. at Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology from the Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. Currently, I am conducting research & posting articles related to Microsoft Excel. I am passionate about research & development and finding innovative solutions to problems.

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