Save a workbook to text format (.txt or .csv)
Excel for Microsoft 365 Excel 2019 Excel 2016 Excel 2013
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.
- Open the workbook you want to save.
- Click File > Save As.
- Pick the place where you want to save the workbook.
- In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the location you want.
- 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).
- In the File name box, accept the suggested name or type a new name for the workbook.
| 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. |