How to Save a Text File As CSV

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CSV files can be saved to produce simple tables.

A Comma separated values (CVS) file is a format used to create simple tables. One of the advantages of saving CSV files is that they are compatible with a large number of different programs, and can therefore be easily transferred between database, spreadsheet and word processing software. Creating CSV files is usually associated with Microsoft Excel, but you can create and save CSV files on Notepad by changing the file extension. This can be helpful if you do not have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer.

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Step 1

Locate and open the text file you wish to save as a CSV file. Right-click on it and under "Open with" and click "Notepad."

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Step 2

Ensure that you have written in the correct format to save a functional CSV. Table headers should be separated with a comma, and between each record you should put a line break. Here is an example of the correct format to create a CSV table:

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Year,Make,Model 2007,Ford,Mondeo 1988,Cadillac,Allanté

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Step 3

Click "File" in Notepad and click "Save As." In the "File name" box, type the name of your file followed by ".CSV." For example, if you wanted to save a catalog as a CSV, you may type "catalog.csv" into the "File name" box. Click "Save."

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