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How to Create a CSV File

A CSV file, which is a 'comma separated values' file, allows you to save your data in a table-structured format, which is useful when you need to manage a large database. CSV files can be created using Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc,...
Method 1 of 2:

Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, and Google Spreadsheets

  1. How to Create a CSV File Picture 1How to Create a CSV File Picture 1
    Open a new spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, or Google Spreadsheets.
    1. If you want to convert an existing spreadsheet to CSV format, skip to step #4.
  2. How to Create a CSV File Picture 2How to Create a CSV File Picture 2
    Type each of your headers, or field names into the cells located in row 1 at the top of the spreadsheet. For example, if entering data for items you're selling, type 'Item Name' into cell A1, 'Item Price' into cell B1, 'Item Description' into cell C1, and so on.[1]
  3. How to Create a CSV File Picture 3How to Create a CSV File Picture 3
    Enter your data into the spreadsheet under each column as needed. Using the example outlined in step #2, write the item name in cell A2, the item's price in cell B2, and the item's description in cell C2.
  4. How to Create a CSV File Picture 4How to Create a CSV File Picture 4
    Click on 'File' and select 'Save As' after you've entered all data into the spreadsheet. If using Google Spreadsheets, this option will read as 'File > Download as.'[2]
  5. How to Create a CSV File Picture 5How to Create a CSV File Picture 5
    Select 'CSV' under the 'Save as type' dropdown menu.
  6. How to Create a CSV File Picture 6How to Create a CSV File Picture 6
    Type a name for your CSV file, then select 'Save.' You have now created a CSV file, and commas will automatically be added to the file to separate each field.[3]
Method 2 of 2:

Notepad

  1. How to Create a CSV File Picture 7How to Create a CSV File Picture 7
    Launch Notepad and type your field names separated by commas onto the first line. For example, if entering data for items you're selling, type the following onto the first line: 'name,price,description.' There must be no spaces between items.
  2. How to Create a CSV File Picture 8How to Create a CSV File Picture 8
    Type your data onto the second line, using the same format as your field names on the first line. Using the example outlined in step #1, write the actual item name, followed by the item's price and description. For example, if selling baseballs, write 'baseball,5.99,sports.'
  3. How to Create a CSV File Picture 9How to Create a CSV File Picture 9
    Continue typing your data for each individual item onto each subsequent line. If leaving any fields empty, make sure you include the comma, or the remaining fields will be off by one.
  4. How to Create a CSV File Picture 10How to Create a CSV File Picture 10
    Click on 'File' and select 'Save.'
  5. How to Create a CSV File Picture 11How to Create a CSV File Picture 11
    Type a name for your file and select '.csv' from the file extension dropdown menu.
  6. How to Create a CSV File Picture 12How to Create a CSV File Picture 12
    Click on 'Save.' You have now created a CSV file in Notepad.[4]
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