How to open a CSV file in Excel

CSV, or comma separated values, is a common format for storing and transmitting content including contacts, calendar appointments and statistical data.

Excel is supposed to read CSV files, but in most cases, when you open a CSV file in Excel, you see scrambled data that’s impossible to read.

This article demonstrates how easy it is to properly open CSV files in Excel 2016 and Excel 2003 and view them without the need to convert anything.

BONUS: Find out how to export iPhone contacts to Excel.

Open CSV in Excel 2016

1. Create a new Excel file and click on Data ➔ From Text/CSV.



2. Find the CSV file on your PC and click on Import.



3. Preview the resulting table in the pop-up window and click on Load.



Change the delimiter and encoding type if needed.
4. Done.

How to export iPhone contacts to Excel

Learn how to export and edit iPhone contacts in Excel. Follow our step-by-step tutorial below.

How to export iPhone contacts to Excel

Open CSV in Excel 2003

1. Open a new Excel document and navigate to the Data tab.



2. Click on From Text.



3. Navigate to the CSV file you wish to open and click on Import.



4. In the newly-opened window, choose Delimited. Then click on Next.



5. Check the box next to the type of delimiter: in most cases, this is either a semicolon or a comma. Then click on Next.



6. Click on Finish.

That’s it! you have just imported a CSV file to Excel!