Save a workbook to text format (.txt or .csv)

Sometimes, you might need to save a workbook in another file format, like a text (txt) or a comma-separated values format (csv). Just keep in mind that whenever you save a workbook in another file format, some of its formatting, data, and features might not be saved.

Caution:  When you save a workbook in any of the text formats, all formatting will be removed.

1. Open the workbook you want to save.

2. Click File > Save As.

   

3. Pick the place where you want to save the workbook.

   

4. In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the location you want.

5. Click the arrow in the Save as type box and pick the type of text or CSV file format you want.

   Note:  The file formats you'll see vary, depending on what type of sheet is active in your workbook (a worksheet, chart sheet, or other type of sheet).

   

6. In the File name box, accept the suggested name or type a new name for the workbook.

Available text file formats

Format	Extension	Description
Formatted Text (Space-delimited)	.prn	Lotus space-delimited format. Saves only the active sheet.
Text (Tab-delimited)	.txt	Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on another Microsoft Windows operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
Text (Macintosh)	.txt	Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
Text (MS-DOS)	.txt	Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
Unicode Text	.txt	Saves a workbook as Unicode text, a character encoding standard that was developed by the Unicode Consortium.
CSV (comma delimited)	.csv	Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on another Windows operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
CSV (Macintosh)	.csv	Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
CSV (MS-DOS)	.csv	Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet.
DIF	.dif	Data Interchange Format. Saves only the active sheet.
SYLK	.slk	Symbolic Link Format. Saves only the active sheet.