Apple Numbers has a 1,000,000 rows limit.
When importing a big CSV file, only the first million rows are imported. Extra rows are skipped.
<img src="/learn_images/csv/apple-numbers-rows-limit/numbers-import-rows-limits.png#1232x536" alt="Importing a CSV file with more than 1m rows">
This is a hard limit defined in the software. The operational limit is way lower. When editing a 1,000,000 rows spreadsheet with a Macbook Pro M1 16Go, the application freezes for several seconds every time I want to edit a cell.
<img src="/learn_images/csv/apple-numbers-rows-limit/editing-big-csv-numbers.png#2504x1588" alt="Editing big spreadsheet Apple Numbers">
<h2 id="user-content-how-to-get-around-apple-numberss-max-row-limit"><a href="#how-to-get-around-apple-numberss-max-row-limit" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>How to get around Apple Numbers's max row limit?</h2>
Spreadsheet tools are not suited for big spreadsheets. They must keep all the data in memory so users can link any cell in their formulas.
Apple Numbers is not a database and have poor performance on big listing. See our guide on how to <a href="/how-to/edit-big-csv-files-online">edit big CSV files online</a>.


**Apple Numbers has a 1,000,000 rows limit.**

When importing a big CSV file, only the first million rows are imported. Extra rows are skipped.

![Importing a CSV file with more than 1m rows](/learn_images/csv/apple-numbers-rows-limit/numbers-import-rows-limits.png#1232x536)

This is a hard limit defined in the software. The operational limit is way lower. When editing a 1,000,000 rows spreadsheet with a Macbook Pro M1 16Go, the application freezes for several seconds every time I want to edit a cell.

![Editing big spreadsheet Apple Numbers](/learn_images/csv/apple-numbers-rows-limit/editing-big-csv-numbers.png#2504x1588)

## How to get around Apple Numbers's max row limit?

**Spreadsheet tools are not suited for big spreadsheets.** They must keep all the data in memory so users can link any cell in their formulas.
Apple Numbers is not a database and have poor performance on big listing. See our guide on how to [edit big CSV files online](/how-to/edit-big-csv-files-online).


Apple Numbers maximum rows per spreadsheet

Apple Numbers has a 1,000,000 rows limit.
When importing a big CSV file, only the first million rows are imported. Extra rows are skipped.
Importing a CSV file with more than 1m rows
This is a hard limit defined in the software. The operational limit is way lower. When editing a 1,000,000 rows spreadsheet with a Macbook Pro M1 16Go, the application freezes for several seconds every time I want to edit a cell.
Editing big spreadsheet Apple Numbers
How to get around Apple Numbers&amp#39;s max row limit?
Spreadsheet tools are not suited for big spreadsheets. They must keep all the data in memory so users can link any cell in their formulas.
Apple Numbers is not a database and have poor performance on big listing. See our guide on how to edit big CSV files online.


To convert a Numbers (<code>.numbers</code>) file into a <code>.csv</code> file, you can directly use the Apple Numbers app.
First, load your Numbers file file with the Apple Numbers app. Then, use the File -> Export To -> CSV menu action.
<img src="/learn_images/csv/export_apple_numbers_to_csv/apple_numbers_to_csv.png#1488x966" alt="File -> Export To -> CSV">
If needed, change the text encoding format in the "Advanced Options".
<blockquote>
Do not check the "Include table names" option! It adds a first row with the name of the table in your CSV file, which will be considered as a <a href="/learn/csv/csv-headers">CSV header</a> with only one column by most applications.
</blockquote>
<img src="/learn_images/csv/export_apple_numbers_to_csv/apple_numbers_csv_options.png#1410x826" alt="CSV Exporting Options">
Then, click the Next button to select a save location. Finally, click the Export button.


To convert a Numbers (`.numbers`) file into a `.csv` file, you can directly use the Apple Numbers app.

First, load your Numbers file file with the Apple Numbers app. Then, use the **File -> Export To -> CSV** menu action.

![File -> Export To -> CSV](/learn_images/csv/export_apple_numbers_to_csv/apple_numbers_to_csv.png#1488x966)

If needed, change the text encoding format in the "Advanced Options".

> Do not check the "Include table names" option! It adds a first row with the name of the table in your CSV file, which will be considered as a [CSV header](/learn/csv/csv-headers) with only one column by most applications.

![CSV Exporting Options](/learn_images/csv/export_apple_numbers_to_csv/apple_numbers_csv_options.png#1410x826)

Then, click the **Next** button to select a save location. Finally, click the **Export** button.


Export Numbers spreadsheet into a CSV file

To convert a Numbers (.numbers) file into a .csv file, you can directly use the Apple Numbers app.
First, load your Numbers file file with the Apple Numbers app. Then, use the File -&ampgt; Export To -&ampgt; CSV menu action.
File -&ampgt; Export To -&ampgt; CSV
If needed, change the text encoding format in the &ampquot;Advanced Options&ampquot;.
Do not check the &ampquot;Include table names&ampquot; option! It adds a first row with the name of the table in your CSV file, which will be considered as a CSV header with only one column by most applications.

CSV Exporting Options
Then, click the Next button to select a save location. Finally, click the Export button.


Spreadsheet and database both store sets of data. However, each one has advantages and disadvantages and is suited to specific use cases.
A spreadsheet represents a digital worksheet and was invented for accounting tasks. In a spreadsheet, data is stored in a flat structure consisting of rows and columns, also known as tabular format. Spreadsheets are simple to use and require no technical knowledge. Because a spreadsheet is flexible and doesn't have a data schema, any value can be entered in any cell. The drawback of this flexibility is the lack of data schema. Spreadsheets cannot be used safely as a source of data for other applications as they cannot provide a strict structure.
Finally, spreadsheets are designed to handle a limited volume of data.
In databases, data is stored in tables, which have a defined structure. This data structure describes for each table, the attributes and data types expected. For example, attributes can be text, date, text, or relationship to another table. This data structure adds constraints and triggers errors directly when inserting a new record in the database. Thanks to this strict structure, other applications can rely on the data provided by a database.
Unlike spreadsheets, databases are better for storing large amounts of data and when several users or applications access the data simultaneously.


Spreadsheet and database both store sets of data. However, each one has advantages and disadvantages and is suited to specific use cases.

A spreadsheet represents a digital worksheet and was invented for accounting tasks. In a spreadsheet, data is stored in a flat structure consisting of rows and columns, also known as tabular format. Spreadsheets are simple to use and require no technical knowledge. Because a spreadsheet is flexible and doesn't have a data schema, any value can be entered in any cell. The drawback of this flexibility is the lack of data schema. **Spreadsheets cannot be used safely as a source of data for other applications as they cannot provide a strict structure**.
Finally, spreadsheets are designed to handle a limited volume of data.

In databases, data is stored in tables, which have a defined structure. This data structure describes for each table, the attributes and data types expected. For example, attributes can be text, date, text, or relationship to another table. This data structure adds constraints and triggers errors directly when inserting a new record in the database. **Thanks to this strict structure, other applications can rely on the data provided by a database.**
Unlike spreadsheets, databases are better for storing large amounts of data and when several users or applications access the data simultaneously.


How spreadsheets and databases differ technically?

Spreadsheet and database both store sets of data. However, each one has advantages and disadvantages and is suited to specific use cases.
A spreadsheet represents a digital worksheet and was invented for accounting tasks. In a spreadsheet, data is stored in a flat structure consisting of rows and columns, also known as tabular format. Spreadsheets are simple to use and require no technical knowledge. Because a spreadsheet is flexible and doesn&amp#39;t have a data schema, any value can be entered in any cell. The drawback of this flexibility is the lack of data schema. Spreadsheets cannot be used safely as a source of data for other applications as they cannot provide a strict structure.
Finally, spreadsheets are designed to handle a limited volume of data.
In databases, data is stored in tables, which have a defined structure. This data structure describes for each table, the attributes and data types expected. For example, attributes can be text, date, text, or relationship to another table. This data structure adds constraints and triggers errors directly when inserting a new record in the database. Thanks to this strict structure, other applications can rely on the data provided by a database.
Unlike spreadsheets, databases are better for storing large amounts of data and when several users or applications access the data simultaneously.


Microsoft Excel comes with a <a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/split-text-into-different-columns-with-the-convert-text-to-columns-wizard-30b14928-5550-41f5-97ca-7a3e9c363ed7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Columns Wizard</a> to split terms from a column into multiple columns using one or more patterns.
This is enough for simple use cases. But Excel will fall short with more advanced text-splitting needs.
For example, if you need to split text and have the same terms to be moved to the same columns.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/start-example.png#1243x391" alt="From single column">
We want to split the text so each column gets a distinct term:
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/result-example.png#1231x423" alt="Specific column for each term">
In this use case, splitting the column with Microsft Excel Columns Wizard would generate this result:
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/not-what-we-want.png#1375x481" alt="Microsoft Excel Text to Column Wizard">
<h2 id="user-content-how-to-split-text-into-columnscategories-based-on-the-values"><a href="#how-to-split-text-into-columnscategories-based-on-the-values" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>How to split text into columns/categories based on the values?</h2>
We want the result values into be inserted to corresponding columns.
To perform this splitting operation, you have to use <a href="/">Datablist</a>. Datablist is the perfect tool to perform this <a href="/how-to/data-cleaning">data-cleaning</a> task.
Datablist is an online tool. Just <a href="https://app.datablist.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">click here</a> to open Datablist.
Import your Excel or <a href="/csv-editor">CSV file</a> directly from the "getting started" page. Or create a new collection and follow the import wizard.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/import-excel.png#2440x1002" alt="Import Excel or CSV">
Once your data is imported into Datablist. Open the "Split Property" tool from the "Edit" menu.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/split-property-menu.png#1974x922" alt="Open Split Property tool">
The tool lets you define the property with the text to be split. You can define one or more delimiters.
Delimiters can be one of the built-in patterns (comma, semi-colon, tab, etc.) or a custom pattern.
For this use case, where we want the text to be split into specific columns, open the "More settings" panel and enable the "One term per property" setting.
Then, click on "Analyse data".
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/split-property-settings.png#1964x1125" alt="Check the &#x22;one term per property&#x22; option">
Datablist will scan your data to extract the distinct terms. The process is case-insensitive, and extra leading and trailing spaces around terms will be removed.
If the analysis results are consistent with the expected columns, click on "Preview Split".
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/analysis-result.png#2366x1131" alt="Analysis Result">
A preview split shows the expected result after the text-splitting process. Click "Split property" to split the data.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/preview-split.png#2368x1143" alt="Preview Split">
And the data is split.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/split-result.png#1751x586" alt="Text Split Results">
Click "Export" to export the results into a CSV or Excel file.
<h2 id="user-content-faq"><a href="#faq" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>FAQ</h2>
<h3 id="user-content-can-i-split-texts-into-columns-with-a-custom-pattern"><a href="#can-i-split-texts-into-columns-with-a-custom-pattern" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Can I split texts into columns with a custom pattern?</h3>
Yes. Datablist handles custom patterns. A custom pattern is matched as a whole. You can match several custom patterns using the multiple delimiters feature.
<h3 id="user-content-what-happens-to-leading-or-trailing-spaces-when-splitting-text-into-columns"><a href="#what-happens-to-leading-or-trailing-spaces-when-splitting-text-into-columns" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>What happens to leading or trailing spaces when splitting text into columns?</h3>
Datablist removes all leading and trailing spaces during the process. It also compares the terms without the case. The final case for each term is the one from the first match.
<h3 id="user-content-how-many-items-are-analyzed-to-generate-the-list-of-distinct-terms"><a href="#how-many-items-are-analyzed-to-generate-the-list-of-distinct-terms" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>How many items are analyzed to generate the list of distinct terms?</h3>
For performance reasons, Datablist analyzes the first 2000 items for your collection. The list of distinct terms must be present in those 2000 items. If other terms appear after the 2000 items, they will be ignored during the split process.
<h3 id="user-content-are-there-any-limitations-on-the-number-of-columns-created"><a href="#are-there-any-limitations-on-the-number-of-columns-created" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Are there any limitations on the number of columns created?</h3>
The text-to-column operation is performed in your browser. There is currently no limitation on the number of extracted terms. Please note that if you run this cleaning operation on incoherent data, you can end up with thousands of distinct terms. Resulting in performance issues.
<h3 id="user-content-how-do-i-split-text-into-multiple-columns-with-a-csv-file"><a href="#how-do-i-split-text-into-multiple-columns-with-a-csv-file" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>How do I split text into multiple columns with a CSV file?</h3>
Datablist opens Excel and CSV files. And to be honest, Datablist is the <a href="/csv-editor">best online CSV editor</a> on the market. The text-to-columns tool is also available with CSV files.

Microsoft Excel comes with a [Columns Wizard](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/split-text-into-different-columns-with-the-convert-text-to-columns-wizard-30b14928-5550-41f5-97ca-7a3e9c363ed7) to split terms from a column into multiple columns using one or more patterns.

This is enough for simple use cases. But Excel will fall short with more advanced text-splitting needs.

For example, if you need to **split text and have the same terms to be moved to the same columns.**

![From single column](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/start-example.png#1243x391)

We want to split the text so each column gets a distinct term:

![Specific column for each term](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/result-example.png#1231x423)

In this use case, splitting the column with Microsft Excel Columns Wizard would generate this result:

![Microsoft Excel Text to Column Wizard](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/not-what-we-want.png#1375x481)


## How to split text into columns/categories based on the values?

We want the result values into be inserted to corresponding columns.

To perform this splitting operation, you have to use [Datablist](/). Datablist is the perfect tool to perform this [data-cleaning](/how-to/data-cleaning) task.

<aside class="text-center mb-5">
 <div class="mb-2">
 <a href="https://app.datablist.com/" className="btn btn-primary btn-large" target="_blank">
 Open Datablist
 </a>
 </div>
 No signup required
</aside>

Datablist is an online tool. Just [click here](https://app.datablist.com/) to open Datablist.

Import your Excel or [CSV file](/csv-editor) directly from the "getting started" page. Or create a new collection and follow the import wizard.

![Import Excel or CSV](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/import-excel.png#2440x1002)

Once your data is imported into Datablist. Open the "Split Property" tool from the "Edit" menu.

![Open Split Property tool](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/split-property-menu.png#1974x922)

The tool lets you define the property with the text to be split. You can define one or more delimiters.

Delimiters can be one of the built-in patterns (comma, semi-colon, tab, etc.) or a custom pattern.

For this use case, where we want the text to be split into specific columns, open the "More settings" panel and enable the "One term per property" setting.

Then, click on "Analyse data".

![Check the "one term per property" option](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/split-property-settings.png#1964x1125)

Datablist will scan your data to extract the distinct terms. The process is case-insensitive, and extra leading and trailing spaces around terms will be removed.

If the analysis results are consistent with the expected columns, click on "Preview Split".

![Analysis Result](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/analysis-result.png#2366x1131)

A preview split shows the expected result after the text-splitting process. Click "Split property" to split the data.

![Preview Split](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/preview-split.png#2368x1143)

And the data is split.

![Text Split Results](/learn_images/excel/split-distinct/split-result.png#1751x586)

Click "Export" to export the results into a CSV or Excel file.


## FAQ

### Can I split texts into columns with a custom pattern?

Yes. Datablist handles custom patterns. A custom pattern is matched as a whole. You can match several custom patterns using the multiple delimiters feature.

### What happens to leading or trailing spaces when splitting text into columns?

Datablist removes all leading and trailing spaces during the process. It also compares the terms without the case. The final case for each term is the one from the first match.

### How many items are analyzed to generate the list of distinct terms?

For performance reasons, Datablist analyzes the first 2000 items for your collection. The list of distinct terms must be present in those 2000 items. If other terms appear after the 2000 items, they will be ignored during the split process.

### Are there any limitations on the number of columns created?

The text-to-column operation is performed in your browser. There is currently no limitation on the number of extracted terms. Please note that if you run this cleaning operation on incoherent data, you can end up with thousands of distinct terms. Resulting in performance issues.

### How do I split text into multiple columns with a CSV file?

Datablist opens Excel and CSV files. And to be honest, Datablist is the [best online CSV editor](/csv-editor) on the market. The text-to-columns tool is also available with CSV files.

Split text in a Microsoft Excel file into specific columns

Microsoft Excel comes with a Columns Wizard to split terms from a column into multiple columns using one or more patterns.
This is enough for simple use cases. But Excel will fall short with more advanced text-splitting needs.
For example, if you need to split text and have the same terms to be moved to the same columns.
From single column
We want to split the text so each column gets a distinct term:
Specific column for each term
In this use case, splitting the column with Microsft Excel Columns Wizard would generate this result:
Microsoft Excel Text to Column Wizard
How to split text into columns/categories based on the values?
We want the result values into be inserted to corresponding columns.
To perform this splitting operation, you have to use Datablist. Datablist is the perfect tool to perform this data-cleaning task.
Datablist is an online tool. Just click here to open Datablist.
Import your Excel or CSV file directly from the &ampquot;getting started&ampquot; page. Or create a new collection and follow the import wizard.
Import Excel or CSV
Once your data is imported into Datablist. Open the &ampquot;Split Property&ampquot; tool from the &ampquot;Edit&ampquot; menu.
Open Split Property tool
The tool lets you define the property with the text to be split. You can define one or more delimiters.
Delimiters can be one of the built-in patterns (comma, semi-colon, tab, etc.) or a custom pattern.
For this use case, where we want the text to be split into specific columns, open the &ampquot;More settings&ampquot; panel and enable the &ampquot;One term per property&ampquot; setting.
Then, click on &ampquot;Analyse data&ampquot;.
Check the &ampquot;one term per property&ampquot; option
Datablist will scan your data to extract the distinct terms. The process is case-insensitive, and extra leading and trailing spaces around terms will be removed.
If the analysis results are consistent with the expected columns, click on &ampquot;Preview Split&ampquot;.
Analysis Result
A preview split shows the expected result after the text-splitting process. Click &ampquot;Split property&ampquot; to split the data.
Preview Split
And the data is split.
Text Split Results
Click &ampquot;Export&ampquot; to export the results into a CSV or Excel file.
FAQ
Can I split texts into columns with a custom pattern?
Yes. Datablist handles custom patterns. A custom pattern is matched as a whole. You can match several custom patterns using the multiple delimiters feature.
What happens to leading or trailing spaces when splitting text into columns?
Datablist removes all leading and trailing spaces during the process. It also compares the terms without the case. The final case for each term is the one from the first match.
How many items are analyzed to generate the list of distinct terms?
For performance reasons, Datablist analyzes the first 2000 items for your collection. The list of distinct terms must be present in those 2000 items. If other terms appear after the 2000 items, they will be ignored during the split process.
Are there any limitations on the number of columns created?
The text-to-column operation is performed in your browser. There is currently no limitation on the number of extracted terms. Please note that if you run this cleaning operation on incoherent data, you can end up with thousands of distinct terms. Resulting in performance issues.
How do I split text into multiple columns with a CSV file?
Datablist opens Excel and CSV files. And to be honest, Datablist is the best online CSV editor on the market. The text-to-columns tool is also available with CSV files.


Exporting a sheet from Microsoft Excel to a CSV file is straightforward. But how to export selected cells to a CSV file?
The short answer is you can't export selected cells in CSV quickly. Exporting a selection to a CSV file or another Excel file is not directly possible. Here is an alternative solution: copy the data to another sheet and export the sheet to a CSV file.
<h2 id="user-content-step-1-copy-paste-selected-cells"><a href="#step-1-copy-paste-selected-cells" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Step 1: Copy-Paste selected cells</h2>
Select the cells you want to export. And copy the data to your clipboard (<code>ctrl+c</code> or <code>Menu Edit => Copy</code>)
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/copy-selection.png#1934x1550" alt="File -> Export To -> CSV">
<h3 id="user-content-export-only-visible-cells-without-hidden-columns"><a href="#export-only-visible-cells-without-hidden-columns" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Export only visible cells (without hidden columns)</h3>
If you have hidden columns, Excel will add their content to your clipboard. This is not what we want. We want to export only our selected and visible cells.
To prevent hidden columns to be copied, open the <code>Go to Special</code> menu in <code>Find &#x26; Select</code>.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/go-to-special.png#2676x1552" alt="Find &#x26; Select -> Go to Special">
And select <code>Visible cells only</code>. It will tell Microsoft Excel we only want to copy the visible cells.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/visible-cells-only.png#1630x992" alt="Go to special -> Visible cells only">
<h2 id="user-content-step-2-create-a-new-sheet-and-paste-your-data"><a href="#step-2-create-a-new-sheet-and-paste-your-data" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Step 2: Create a new sheet and paste your data</h2>
Then, create a new sheet and <code>paste</code> your data (<code>ctrl + v</code> or <code>Menu Edit => Paste</code>)
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/paste-cells.png#2190x1292" alt="Paste data in a new sheet">
<h3 id="user-content-add-columns-to-have-csv-headers"><a href="#add-columns-to-have-csv-headers" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Add columns to have CSV headers</h3>
<a href="/learn/csv/csv-uses">CSV files are used to store structured data</a>, and CSV headers add context to know what your CSV contains.
<a href="/learn/csv/csv-headers">CSV headers are optional</a>. But if you need to import your CSV into another software or <a href="/csv-editor">clean it with a CSV editor</a>, you better have them.
Just <code>copy - paste</code> the columns from the first sheet or write them directly as the first line in the new sheet.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/paste-headers.png#1732x1294" alt="Paste columns in the new sheet">
<h2 id="user-content-step-3-export-sheet-to-csv"><a href="#step-3-export-sheet-to-csv" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Step 3: Export sheet to CSV</h2>
The last step is to export the new Excel sheet to a CSV file. Once you are on the new sheet, select <code>Save As</code> in the <code>File</code> menu.
<blockquote>
Important: Set the active sheet to the sheet to export!
</blockquote>
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/save-as-to-export-csv.png#1374x1076" alt="File -> Save As">
Then change the <code>File format</code> to <code>CSV UTF-8 (Comma-delimited) (.csv)</code>. And click <code>Save</code>.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/select-csv-as-export-format.png#1780x1294" alt="Save As with CSV format">
A warning message will pop up with the message "This workbook cannot be saved in the selected file format because it contains multiple sheets.".
Bypass the warning message by clicking on <code>OK</code>. Microsoft Excel tells you that it can't export all sheets to a single CSV. Only your active sheet will be exported to a CSV file. This is what we want.
<img src="/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/confirm-to-export-active-sheet.png#1512x1076" alt="Confirm with OK">
<h2 id="user-content-edit-it-with-a-csv-editor"><a href="#edit-it-with-a-csv-editor" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"></a>Edit it with a CSV Editor</h2>
If you need to further clean your CSV data, use a <a href="/csv-editor">CSV Editor</a> such as <a href="/csv-editor">Datablist</a>.
Datablist provides advanced tools to <a href="/features/duplicates-remover">deduplicate data</a>, <a href="/features/combine-csv-files">consolidate several CSV files</a>, or <a href="/how-to/clean-web-scraping-data-online">clean your data</a>.


Exporting a sheet from Microsoft Excel to a CSV file is straightforward. But how to export selected cells to a CSV file?

**The short answer is you can't export selected cells in CSV quickly. Exporting a selection to a CSV file or another Excel file is not directly possible. Here is an alternative solution: copy the data to another sheet and export the sheet to a CSV file.** 


## Step 1: Copy-Paste selected cells

Select the cells you want to export. And copy the data to your clipboard (`ctrl+c` or `Menu Edit => Copy`)

![File -> Export To -> CSV](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/copy-selection.png#1934x1550)

### Export only visible cells (without hidden columns)

If you have hidden columns, Excel will add their content to your clipboard. This is not what we want. We want to export only our selected and visible cells.

To prevent hidden columns to be copied, open the `Go to Special` menu in `Find & Select`.


![Find & Select -> Go to Special](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/go-to-special.png#2676x1552)

And select `Visible cells only`. It will tell Microsoft Excel we only want to copy the visible cells.

![Go to special -> Visible cells only](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/visible-cells-only.png#1630x992)


## Step 2: Create a new sheet and paste your data

Then, create a new sheet and `paste` your data (`ctrl + v` or `Menu Edit => Paste`)


![Paste data in a new sheet](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/paste-cells.png#2190x1292)


### Add columns to have CSV headers

[CSV files are used to store structured data](/learn/csv/csv-uses), and CSV headers add context to know what your CSV contains.

[CSV headers are optional](/learn/csv/csv-headers). But if you need to import your CSV into another software or [clean it with a CSV editor](/csv-editor), you better have them.

Just `copy - paste` the columns from the first sheet or write them directly as the first line in the new sheet.

![Paste columns in the new sheet](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/paste-headers.png#1732x1294)

## Step 3: Export sheet to CSV

The last step is to export the new Excel sheet to a CSV file. Once you are on the new sheet, select `Save As` in the `File` menu.

> **Important**: Set the active sheet to the sheet to export!

![File -> Save As](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/save-as-to-export-csv.png#1374x1076)

Then change the `File format` to `CSV UTF-8 (Comma-delimited) (.csv)`. And click `Save`.

![Save As with CSV format](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/select-csv-as-export-format.png#1780x1294)

A warning message will pop up with the message "This workbook cannot be saved in the selected file format because it contains multiple sheets.".

Bypass the warning message by clicking on `OK`. Microsoft Excel tells you that it can't export all sheets to a single CSV. Only your active sheet will be exported to a CSV file. This is what we want.

![Confirm with OK](/learn_images/excel/export-selection-csv/confirm-to-export-active-sheet.png#1512x1076)


## Edit it with a CSV Editor

If you need to further clean your CSV data, use a [CSV Editor](/csv-editor) such as [Datablist](/csv-editor).

Datablist provides advanced tools to [deduplicate data](/features/duplicates-remover), [consolidate several CSV files](/features/combine-csv-files), or [clean your data](/how-to/clean-web-scraping-data-online).







Export Microsoft Excel selection into a CSV file

Exporting a sheet from Microsoft Excel to a CSV file is straightforward. But how to export selected cells to a CSV file?
The short answer is you can&amp#39;t export selected cells in CSV quickly. Exporting a selection to a CSV file or another Excel file is not directly possible. Here is an alternative solution: copy the data to another sheet and export the sheet to a CSV file. 
Step 1: Copy-Paste selected cells
Select the cells you want to export. And copy the data to your clipboard (ctrl+c or Menu Edit =&ampgt; Copy)
File -&ampgt; Export To -&ampgt; CSV
Export only visible cells (without hidden columns)
If you have hidden columns, Excel will add their content to your clipboard. This is not what we want. We want to export only our selected and visible cells.
To prevent hidden columns to be copied, open the Go to Special menu in Find &ampamp; Select.
Find &ampamp; Select -&ampgt; Go to Special
And select Visible cells only. It will tell Microsoft Excel we only want to copy the visible cells.
Go to special -&ampgt; Visible cells only
Step 2: Create a new sheet and paste your data
Then, create a new sheet and paste your data (ctrl + v or Menu Edit =&ampgt; Paste)
Paste data in a new sheet
Add columns to have CSV headers
CSV files are used to store structured data, and CSV headers add context to know what your CSV contains.
CSV headers are optional. But if you need to import your CSV into another software or clean it with a CSV editor, you better have them.
Just copy - paste the columns from the first sheet or write them directly as the first line in the new sheet.
Paste columns in the new sheet
Step 3: Export sheet to CSV
The last step is to export the new Excel sheet to a CSV file. Once you are on the new sheet, select Save As in the File menu.
Important: Set the active sheet to the sheet to export!

File -&ampgt; Save As
Then change the File format to CSV UTF-8 (Comma-delimited) (.csv). And click Save.
Save As with CSV format
A warning message will pop up with the message &ampquot;This workbook cannot be saved in the selected file format because it contains multiple sheets.&ampquot;.
Bypass the warning message by clicking on OK. Microsoft Excel tells you that it can&amp#39;t export all sheets to a single CSV. Only your active sheet will be exported to a CSV file. This is what we want.
Confirm with OK
Edit it with a CSV Editor
If you need to further clean your CSV data, use a CSV Editor such as Datablist.
Datablist provides advanced tools to deduplicate data, consolidate several CSV files, or clean your data.


To convert a <code>.xlsx</code> or <code>.xls</code> file into a <code>.csv</code> file, Microsoft Excel is the perfect tool.
First, load your <code>.xlsx</code> or <code>.xls</code> file with Excel. Then, use the File -> Save As menu action.
<img src="/learn_images/csv/export_excel_to_csv/microsoft_excel_convert_to_csv_save_as.png#1488x966" alt="File -> Save As">
Choose where you want to save your CSV file and select CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (.csv) in the File format dropdown.
<img src="/learn_images/csv/export_excel_to_csv/microsoft_excel_convert_to_csv_select_format.png#1378x892" alt="Select CSV in file formats">
Finally, click the Save button.


To convert a `.xlsx` or `.xls` file into a `.csv` file, Microsoft Excel is the perfect tool.

First, load your `.xlsx` or `.xls` file with Excel. Then, use the **File -> Save As** menu action.

![File -> Save As](/learn_images/csv/export_excel_to_csv/microsoft_excel_convert_to_csv_save_as.png#1488x966)

Choose where you want to save your CSV file and select **CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (.csv)** in the File format dropdown.

![Select CSV in file formats](/learn_images/csv/export_excel_to_csv/microsoft_excel_convert_to_csv_select_format.png#1378x892)


Finally, click the **Save** button.


Export Microsoft Excel spreadsheet into a CSV file

To convert a .xlsx or .xls file into a .csv file, Microsoft Excel is the perfect tool.
First, load your .xlsx or .xls file with Excel. Then, use the File -&ampgt; Save As menu action.
File -&ampgt; Save As
Choose where you want to save your CSV file and select CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (.csv) in the File format dropdown.
Select CSV in file formats
Finally, click the Save button.


When it comes to storing data online, spreadsheets and databases are two possible options. Understanding the differences between them is crucial to find the best tool for your task.
Spreadsheets (Excel and Google Sheets) are easy to use and inexpensive. They are the go-to solution when it comes to simple analytics and data manipulation. For example, spreadsheet tools offer analytics features to display charts or create pivot tables.
Databases are designed to handle larger datasets and structured data. They offer built-in data constraints to force field format or to avoid duplicate information. Databases have powerful query languages to search and filter their data. These features are powerful but add complexity compared to spreadsheets. As a result, databases have a steep learning curve.
If you need to connect to your data programmatically, databases are the go-to solution. Thanks to its data structure, a database ensure the data is valid before saving it.
If you need to store less than 1 million records and don't need to connect your data to an application, spreadsheets do the job.


When it comes to storing data online, spreadsheets and databases are two possible options. Understanding the differences between them is crucial to find the best tool for your task.

Spreadsheets (Excel and Google Sheets) are easy to use and inexpensive. They are the go-to solution when it comes to simple analytics and data manipulation. For example, spreadsheet tools offer analytics features to display charts or create pivot tables.

Databases are designed to handle larger datasets and structured data. They offer built-in data constraints to force field format or to avoid duplicate information. Databases have powerful query languages to search and filter their data. These features are powerful but add complexity compared to spreadsheets. As a result, databases have a steep learning curve.

If you need to connect to your data programmatically, databases are the go-to solution. Thanks to its data structure, a database ensure the data is valid before saving it.

If you need to store less than 1 million records and don't need to connect your data to an application, spreadsheets do the job.


When to use a spreadsheet over a database?

When it comes to storing data online, spreadsheets and databases are two possible options. Understanding the differences between them is crucial to find the best tool for your task.
Spreadsheets (Excel and Google Sheets) are easy to use and inexpensive. They are the go-to solution when it comes to simple analytics and data manipulation. For example, spreadsheet tools offer analytics features to display charts or create pivot tables.
Databases are designed to handle larger datasets and structured data. They offer built-in data constraints to force field format or to avoid duplicate information. Databases have powerful query languages to search and filter their data. These features are powerful but add complexity compared to spreadsheets. As a result, databases have a steep learning curve.
If you need to connect to your data programmatically, databases are the go-to solution. Thanks to its data structure, a database ensure the data is valid before saving it.
If you need to store less than 1 million records and don&amp#39;t need to connect your data to an application, spreadsheets do the job.


Spreadsheet

What is Apple Numbers row limit?

How to convert an Apple Numbers file to CSV?

What is the difference between a spreadsheet and a database?

How to split text into distinct columns?

How to export selected cells from Excel into a CSV file

How to convert an XLSX file to CSV with Microsoft Excel?

Should I use a spreadsheet or a database?

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