Importing and Exporting Text Files

Contents
Index 🔎︎
\<bookmark_value\>csv files;spreadsheets\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>formulas; saving as csv files\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>exporting; tables as text\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>importing; tables as text\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>tables; importing/exporting as text\</bookmark_value\>\<bookmark_value\>text; importing to spreadsheets\</bookmark_value\>

# Importing and Exporting CSV Text Files with Formulas

Comma separated values (CSV) files are text files that contain the cell contents 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.

## Importing a CSV File

1. Choose \<emph\>File - Open\</emph\>.

2. In the \<emph\>File type\</emph\> field, select the format "Text CSV". Select the file and click \<emph\>Open\</emph\>. When a file has the .csv extension, the file type is automatically recognized.

3. You will see the \<emph\>Import text files\</emph\> dialog. Click \<emph\>OK\</emph\>.

If the csv file contains formulas, but you want to import the results of those formulas, then choose LibreOffice - PreferencesTools - Options - LibreOffice Calc - View and clear the Formulas check box.

## Exporting Formulas and Values as CSV Files

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

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

   Choose LibreOffice - PreferencesTools - Options - LibreOffice Calc - View.

   Under \<emph\>Display\</emph\>, mark the \<emph\>Formulas\</emph\> check box. Click \<emph\>OK\</emph\>.

   If you want to export the calculation results instead of the formulas, do not mark \<emph\>Formulas\</emph\>.

3. Choose \<emph\>File - Save as\</emph\>. You will see the \<emph\>Save as\</emph\> dialog.

4. In the\<emph\> File type\</emph\> field select the format "Text CSV".

5. Enter a name and click \<emph\>Save\</emph\>.

6. From the \<emph\>Export of text files\</emph\> dialog that appears, select the character set and the field and text delimiters for the data to be exported, and confirm with \<emph\>OK\</emph\>.

7. If necessary, after you have saved, clear the \<emph\>Formulas\</emph\> check box to see the calculated results in the table again.

Related Topics

Opening and Saving Text CSV Files

LibreOffice - PreferencesTools - Options - LibreOffice Calc - View

Export text files

Import text files