A CSV file is a very basic file that stores data in a simple format, separated by commas. That is why it is called CSV – comma-separated values.
In contrast, MS Excel saves data in spreadsheets with formatting and formulas. It is best to convert a CSV file into Excel to make use of the information.
2 Methods to convert a CSV file to Microsoft Excel:
- Save As option
- Data Import option
Let us begin.
Method #1: ‘Save As’ Option
This is the simplest method to convert a CSV file to a spreadsheet. It gets the work done in a few simple clicks.
Step #1: Open your CSV file
Open the CSV file you want to convert into Excel.
Step #2: Select the File tab
From the File tab, click on Save As.
Step #3: Select Excel Workbook
The Save As dialog box will open.
Browse to the place to save the file.
At the bottom of the dialog box, you will see the ‘Save as type’ field.
Select Excel Workbook from the dropdown menu.
Step #4: Click on Save
Once done, click on the Save button, and your CSV file will be converted to an Excel spreadsheet.
Method #2: Data Import Option
This method is useful to successfully import data from a CSV file into Excel. It helps to preview the look of the file before importing the data to the Excel sheet.
Step #1: Open an Excel sheet
Open the Excel sheet where you want to import data from a CSV file.
It can be a blank workbook as well.
Step #2: Click on the Data Tab
Click on the Data tab in the main menu, to change the ribbon.
In the Data ribbon, click on the From Text/CSV icon.
Step #3: Choose the CSV file
The Browser window will open.
Browse to the folder where the CSV file is located.
If you do not see the CSV file:
From the dropdown at the bottom of the dialog box, select All Files. That should reveal the CSV file in your folder.
Click on the CSV file name.
Click on the Import button.
Step #4: Preview before conversion
A preview window will open.
Step #5: Click on Transform Data
If this looks like the file you want to import, click on Transform Data.
Another dialog box opens.
Step #6: Click on Close & Load
From the dialog box, click on the Close & Load icon at the top left.
Then, click on Close & Load To.
Step #7: Select appropriate options
From the Import Data dialog box, select how you want to view your data, for example, as a Table.
Select where you want to insert the data.
You can choose between the Existing Worksheet and New Worksheet options.
If you opt for Existing Worksheet specify at which cell the import should start.
Step #8: Click on OK
Finally, click on the OK button and your CSV file will get converted into an Excel spreadsheet.
Once your CSV file has been converted into a spreadsheet, you can add formatting and filters.
Conclusion
A CSV file is usually a raw data file. The best way to make use of the information in a CSV file is to convert it into an Excel spreadsheet.
These two methods are easy ways to do that, allowing you to use formatting and formulas as much as you want. Also, these methods don’t take much time but give you the desired results.