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.

To Import a CSV File

  1. Choose File - Open.

  2. In the File type field, select the format "Text CSV". Select the file and click Open. When a file has the .csv extension, the file type is automatically recognised.

  3. You will see the Text Import dialogue. Click OK.

Tip Icon

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


To Export Formulas and Values as CSV Files

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

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

    Choose - LibreOffice Calc - View.

    Under Display, mark the Formulas check box. Click OK.

    If you want to export the calculation results instead of the formulae, do not mark Formulas.

  3. Choose File - Save as. You will see the Save as dialogue.

  4. In the File type field select the format "Text CSV".

  5. Enter a name and click Save.

  6. From the Export of text files dialogue that appears, select the character set and the field and text delimiters for the data to be exported, and confirm with OK.

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

- LibreOffice Calc - View

Export text files

Import text files