How to Create a CSV File

Microsoft Excel, OpenOffice Calc, and Google Spreadsheets

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. 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] X Research source}

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. 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] X Research source}

5. Select 'CSV' under the 'Save as type' dropdown menu.

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] X Research source}