.CSV File Extension

Plain text file format organizing structured data into rows and comma-delimited columns.

Category Code & Data

MIME Type text/csv

Magic Bytes ASCII Text Data

Developer Standards Organization

Typical Size 10 KB – 50 MB

Security Risk Low Risk

Format Architecture & Technical Specifications

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a plain text format for storing tabular data (numbers and text). Each line of the file is a data record, with individual fields delimited by commas.

How to Open .CSV Files

1 Open in Excel or Sheets

Double-click to open in Microsoft Excel or upload to Google Sheets.

Compatible Software Programs

Microsoft Excel

windows, mac • Commercial

Google Sheets

windows, mac, linux • Free

Security Considerations & Verification

Plain text. Beware of formula injection strings (=CMD) if opening in Excel.

Check text encoding (UTF-8 vs ANSI) if special characters or accents appear garbled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .CSV file?

A .CSV file is a Comma-Separated Values associated with Code & Data. Plain text file format organizing structured data into rows and comma-delimited columns.

How do I open a .CSV file on Windows or Mac?

You can open .CSV files using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets. If you do not have native software installed, you can use AnyFileX's free File Identifier or convert .CSV to a standard format in your browser.

Is a .CSV file safe to open?

This format carries a safety rating of Low Risk. Plain text. Beware of formula injection strings (=CMD) if opening in Excel.

Can I convert a .CSV file to other formats?

Yes! .CSV can be converted to formats such as .XLSX directly in your web browser.

What should I do if a .CSV file is corrupted or won't open?

If your .CSV file displays an invalid header or signature error, check its magic bytes hex header (ASCII Text Data) using AnyFileX's Magic Byte Detector or follow our step-by-step file repair guide.