Sometimes, you might need to save a workbook in another file format, like a text (txt) or a comma-separated values format (csv). Just keep in mind that whenever you save a workbook in another file format, some of its formatting, data, and features might not be saved.
Caution
When you save a workbook in any of the text formats, all formatting will be removed.
Open the workbook you want to save.
Select File > Save As or Save a Copy.
Pick the place where you want to save the workbook.
In the Save As dialog box, navigate to the location you want.
Accept the suggested name or type a new name for the workbook.
Select the arrow in the file type box and pick the type of text or CSV file format you want.
Note
The file formats you'll see vary, depending on what type of sheet is active in your workbook (a worksheet, chart sheet, or other type of sheet).
Available text file formats
| Format | Extension | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Formatted Text (Space-delimited) | .prn | Lotus space-delimited format. Saves only the active sheet. |
| Text (Tab-delimited) | .txt | Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on another Microsoft Windows operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet. |
| Text (Macintosh) | .txt | Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet. |
| Text (MS-DOS) | .txt | Saves a workbook as a tab-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet. |
| Unicode Text | .txt | Saves a workbook as Unicode text, a character encoding standard that was developed by the Unicode Consortium. |
| CSV (comma delimited) | .csv | Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on another Windows operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet. |
| CSV (Macintosh) | .csv | Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the Macintosh operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet. |
| CSV (MS-DOS) | .csv | Saves a workbook as a comma-delimited text file for use on the MS-DOS operating system, and ensures that tab characters, line breaks, and other characters are interpreted correctly. Saves only the active sheet. |
| DIF | .dif | Data Interchange Format. Saves only the active sheet. |
| SYLK | .slk | Symbolic Link Format. Saves only the active sheet. |