How to open a .csv file
Quick, free ways to open CSV on any system.
A .csv file is a Comma-Separated Values. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads CSV yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .csv file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .csv. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Excel or LibreOffice Calc.
- On Mac, use Numbers or Excel.
- On Linux, try LibreOffice Calc or any text editor.
- Still stuck? Convert the .csv to XLSX, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .csv files
Windows
- Excel
- LibreOffice Calc
- Notepad++
macOS
- Numbers
- Excel
- LibreOffice Calc
Linux
- LibreOffice Calc
- any text editor
Web
- Google Sheets
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Before you open it: Mostly safe, with one caveat: opening a CSV in a spreadsheet can trigger formula injection if a cell starts with an equals sign. Import as text if the source is untrusted.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .csv file?
Almost always because no installed app understands CSV. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
Why does my CSV look wrong in Excel?
Excel may guess the wrong delimiter or encoding. Use Data, From Text/CSV to import and pick the correct separator and encoding.
What is the difference between CSV and XLSX?
CSV is plain text with just values. XLSX is a full spreadsheet with formatting, formulas, charts and multiple sheets.