Why convert TSV to CSV
TSV is common in research tools, database dumps and data copied from spreadsheets, but CSV is what most import wizards, CRMs and business tools ask for. Simply replacing tabs with commas breaks as soon as a value contains a comma.
This converter parses each tab-separated row and writes it as proper RFC 4180 CSV, quoting values that contain commas, quotes or line breaks. The header row and column order are kept exactly.
TSV vs CSV at a glance
| Feature | TSV | CSV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tab-Separated Values | Comma-Separated Values |
| Type | Tabular data | Tabular data |
| Introduced | Early 1990s as a registered media type | Early 1970s; described by RFC 4180 in 2005 |
| Created by | No single owner | No single owner |
| Structure | Flat rows and columns | Flat rows and columns |
| Comments | No | No |
| Data types | Text only, no built-in types | Text only, no built-in types |
| Best for | Copying between spreadsheets and data pipelines | Spreadsheet exports and database imports |
| Support | Spreadsheets, databases and command-line tools | Excel, Google Sheets, databases and every language |
| MIME type | text/tab-separated-values | text/csv |
How to convert TSV to CSV
Step 1: Select the TSV file
Drop a .tsv file onto the converter.
Step 2: CSV is preselected
Keep the output as CSV.
Step 3: Convert
Rows are split on tabs and written with commas and correct quoting.
Step 4: Download the CSV
Import it wherever CSV is required.
Conversion guarantees
Correct quoting
Values with commas, quotes or line breaks are wrapped in double quotes.
Exact rows
The header and every data row are kept in order.
No renaming
Duplicate or blank column names are left untouched.
Standard line endings
CRLF line breaks, as the CSV specification recommends.
When CSV is required
Import wizards. CRMs, email tools and e-commerce platforms mostly import CSV.
Sharing data. CSV opens with a double click in Excel and Numbers.
Database loaders. Many bulk loaders default to comma-separated input.
Spreadsheet exports. Turn copied spreadsheet ranges into a portable file.
Quotes in TSV data
Most TSV files do not use quotes at all, but some tools write quoted fields anyway. The parser understands both styles. A value wrapped in quotes in the TSV is read without its quotes and re-quoted in the CSV only if it needs it.
A lone double quote inside a value is escaped by doubling it, which is the CSV standard.
Opening the result in Excel
Double-clicking a CSV opens it with your regional settings. In countries that use a comma as the decimal separator, Excel expects semicolons, so a comma-separated file may open in a single column. Use Data, From Text/CSV and pick comma as the delimiter in that case.
The file is UTF-8 encoded; choose UTF-8 in the import dialog if accents look wrong.
- Regional settings affect how Excel reads CSV.
- The import wizard lets you choose delimiter and encoding.
- Google Sheets detects both automatically.
Tips for TSV to CSV
- Make sure the TSV uses real tab characters, not runs of spaces.
- Remove comment lines that some tools add at the top of TSV exports.
- Keep the TSV if you work mainly with command-line tools.
- Need JSON instead? Choose JSON as the target.
TSV to CSV questions
Will commas inside values break the CSV?
No. Values containing commas are quoted automatically.
Is the header kept?
Yes, the first row is copied exactly as it is.
What if my TSV already has quotes?
Quoted fields are parsed correctly and re-quoted only where CSV requires it.
Does it change the column order?
No. Columns keep their original order.
Why does Excel show everything in one column?
Your regional settings may expect semicolons. Import with Data, From Text/CSV and choose comma.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The conversion happens in your browser.