How do I save my spreadsheet as a CSV file?

The instructions below use Excel for Mac version 15.32, however most spreadsheet programs will follow a similar process.

  1. Open your spreadsheet and click “File” and then “Save As.”
  2. Select “CSV UTF-8” from the File Format dropdown then click “Save.”
  3. Click “Save Active Sheet.”

For more information about saving your spreadsheet as a CSV file, see the help articles from Microsoft and Google.

How to Save a Spreadsheet as a CSV File

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple file format that stores your spreadsheet data as plain text. It’s commonly used for importing and updating contact lists because it keeps columns and rows structured and easy to read.

Before You Save Your File as CSV

  • CSV exports one sheet at a time. Only the active sheet will be saved.
  • Formatting is removed. Colors, fonts, and column widths won’t carry over.
  • Formulas become values. Your spreadsheet will save the results of formulas, not the formulas themselves.
  • Choose CSV UTF-8 when available. This helps prevent broken characters (accented letters, symbols).

Save as CSV in Excel for Mac

These steps apply to Excel for Mac (including older versions like 15.32), but the process is similar in newer versions.

  1. Open your spreadsheet in Excel.
  2. Click File then Save As.
  3. Select CSV UTF-8 from the File Format dropdown.
  4. Click Save.
  5. When prompted, click Save Active Sheet.

Save as CSV in Excel for Windows

  1. Open your spreadsheet in Excel.
  2. Click File then Save As (or Save a Copy).
  3. Choose where to save the file.
  4. Under Save as type, select CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited) (.csv).
  5. Click Save and confirm any prompts.

For more information about saving your spreadsheet as a CSV file, see the help articles from Microsoft.

Save as CSV in Google Sheets

  1. Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
  2. Click File then Download.
  3. Select Comma-separated values (.csv, current sheet).

For more information about saving your spreadsheet as a CSV file, see the help articles from Google.

Common Issues and Fixes

The CSV only saved one tab

CSV files only export the active sheet. Switch to the correct tab and export again.

Names or symbols look corrupted

Save using CSV UTF-8 to prevent encoding issues.

My CSV import fails

Check that:

  • Row 1 contains headers (example: Email, First Name, Last Name)
  • There are no merged cells
  • Each column stays consistent for every row
  • There are no empty columns before your first header

Next Step in Adaptix

Once your file is saved as a CSV, you can upload it into Adaptix to add or update contacts and companies. During import, Adaptix will prompt you to match your CSV columns to the correct contact fields so your data lands in the right place. For best results, make sure your first row contains clear headers (like Email, First Name, Last Name) and that each column stays consistent from top to bottom.

FAQ

What is a CSV file?

A CSV file is a plain-text format that stores data in rows and columns separated by commas. It’s widely supported and commonly used for imports.

What does “CSV UTF-8” mean, and why should I use it?

CSV UTF-8 is a version of CSV that supports special characters and symbols. It helps prevent names and text from appearing scrambled after export or import.

Will CSV keep multiple sheets or tabs?

No. CSV exports only one sheet at a time. If you have multiple tabs, you’ll need to export each one separately.

Will my formatting and formulas be saved?

Formatting will not be saved. Formulas will be replaced by their final values.

Why does my CSV look messy when I open it?

CSV is plain text, so it may not display nicely when opened directly. If you want to view it cleanly, open it through Excel or Google Sheets.

What columns should I include for a contact import?

At minimum, include Email. Common optional columns include First Name, Last Name, Phone, Company, and Tags (if your system supports them)

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