How to Save an Excel File as CSV (3 Methods)

What Is a CSV File

CSV stands for comma-separated values. In simple terms, each line consists of multiple fields or values separated by commas. A CSV file stores tabular data—simply put, numbers and texts. This explains its popularity as a method for exchanging data. Therefore, it is widely used by businesses and in scientific applications.

Available Formats of CSV

The table below describes the available formats of CSV files.

Format	Description
CSV (comma separated)	This format saves your worksheet as a comma-separated text file.
CSV UTF 8 (comma separated)	Your file is saved as a comma-separated text, in addition to supporting characters and special symbols.
CSV (Macintosh)	Saves the text file in a format suitable for a Macintosh operating system.
CSV (MS-DOS)	The saved text file is intended for an MS-DOS operating system.
*Unicode (.txt)**	Saves your spreadsheet as Unicode text.

The dataset contains the Names of employees in the first column, while the second column shows their Sales figures.

Method 1 – Saving a Worksheet as a CSV (Comma Delimited) File in Excel

Step 1: Go to the Active Worksheet & Save

Go to the worksheet you want to export to CSV since only the active sheet will be converted to CSV.
Click the File tab.

Select the Save As option.

Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Directory & File Format

Click on Browse and select a directory to save your CSV file.

Enter the file name, and from the drop-down, select CSV (Comma delimited)(*.csv).
Click on Save to convert your Excel file to CSV.

If a warning window pops up, click OK to resolve the issue.

Method 2 – Using CSV UTF 8 Format to Save Excel File as CSV

Step 1: Save Your Worksheet

Locate your target spreadsheet and click on the File tab.

Select the Save As option.

Step 2: Designate the File Location & Format

Click on Browse and choose a folder to save your CSV file.

Type in the file name and choose CSV UTF-8 (comma delimited) (*.csv) extension.
Click on Save.

Open your saved document with a preferred text editor: Notepad.

Method 3 – Saving as a Unicode Text and Then Converting It to CSV in Excel

Step 1: Select & Save the Worksheet

Go to the spreadsheet you want to save and click the File option.
Select the Save As.

Step 2: Pick the File Location & Format

Click on Browse to save your CSV file at your desired location.

Rename the file, select Unicode Text (*.txt), and click Save.

Step 3: Replace Tab Character with Comma

Open your saved document in a text editor like Notepad.

Notepad

Use CTRL + H to open a dialog box.

Copy the tab character with CTRL + C, paste it into the Find what box, and type a comma in the Replace with box.
Click Replace All and close the dialog box.