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CSV File are using wrong separator

Anonymous
2022-08-23T14:26:07+00:00

Does anyone at Microsoft actually know what a CSV file is? There is a reason for the 'C' in the name - and it does not mean "Let's put in a localized separator" !!!!

Also: When EXPORTING a CVS file, Excel changes the working document to CSV. There actually is a reason why I'm using EXPORT instead of "SAVE AS".

Where can I tell Microsoft to change this?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-08-23T18:39:26+00:00

    I don't want to change my setting every time I need to export a CSV file.

    The way I see numbers and work with numbers should have NOTHING to do with exported formats.

    I don't know of any systems - at all - that uses other than a comma in any CSV import. None!

    Now I have to run a script that changes the CSV file after export, before I send it to others.

    It would be smarter if it was possible to select the format when exporting - or as a standard setting.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-08-24T00:23:31+00:00

    Hi Lars Bo Wassini,

    Thanks for replying.

    I agree it would be convenient if Excel can show a window where we can select the format before it is exported to the workbook and in this regard, I will request you please consider providing your feedback in Excel feedback portal. This is the quickest route to get your feedback to the developers’ ears.

    We appreciate your for your understanding and co-operation. Stay safe and stay healthy.

    With sincerest regards,

    Neha Singh | Microsoft Community Moderator

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-08-23T15:33:18+00:00

    Dear Lars Bo Wassini,

    Good day! Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

    As per your description, first please allow me to explain. The ".csv" files, Microsoft Excel uses the List separator defined in Windows Regional settings (depending on your Excel's regional setting). In some other countries, the default list separator is a comma, so you get CSV comma delimited. In European countries, a comma is reserved for the decimal symbol, and the list separator is generally set to semicolon. That is why the result is CSV semicolon delimited.

    In Excel 365 app we can change separator when saving Excel file as CSV via click File > Options > Advanced>under Editing options, clear the Use system separators check box and change the default Decimal separator.

    Here is find thread mention pen a CSV file in Excel, you may refer Power Query - How to import a CSV file that does not match your locale settings

    Your understanding and patience will be highly appreciated. I hope that you are keeping safe and well!

    Sincerely,

    Waqas Muhammad

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