Importing and Exporting CSV Text Files with Formulae

Comma separated values (CSV) files are text files that contain the contents of cells of a single sheet. Commas, semicolons, or other characters can be used as the field delimiters between the cells. Text strings are put in quotation marks, numbers are written without quotation marks.

To Import a CSV File

1. Choose File - Open.

2. In the File type field, select the format "Text CSV". Select the file and click Open. When a file has the .csv extension, the file type is automatically recognised.

3. You will see the Text Import dialogue box. Click OK.

If the CSV file contains formulae, but you want to import the results of those formulas, then choose Tools - Options - Office Calc - View and clear the Formulae check box.

To Export Formulae and Values as CSV Files

1. Click the sheet to be written as a CSV file.

2. If you want to export the formulae as formulae, for example, in the form =SUM(A1:B5), proceed as follows:

Choose Tools - Options - Office Calc - View.
Under Display, mark the Formulae check box. Click OK.
If you want to export the calculation results instead of the formulae, do not mark Formulae.

3. Choose File - Save as. You will see the Save as dialogue box.

4. In the File type field select the format "Text CSV".

5. Enter a name and click Save.

6. From the Export of text files dialogue box that appears, select the character set and the field and text delimiters for the data to be exported, and confirm with OK.

7. If necessary, after you have saved, unmark the Formulae check box to see the calculated results in the table again.

Related Topics

• Opening and Saving Text CSV Files
• Office Calc - View
• Export text files
• Import text files