Unable to save CSV with comma as delimiter (excel enforcing semicolon delimiter)

Question

I'm based in Greece, and I have an problem saving CSV files in Excel.

When I open a CSV file which is comma delimited and then save it, it saves with semicolon delimiter.

I need the files to use a comma as the delimiter, but it enforces saving with a semicolon.

I have read online that this occurs in countries where we use the comma as the decimal seperator (other countries use a full-sotp as a decimal separator) 

Even when I specifiy that it should save as comma, it still saves as semicolon.

I have gone into regional settings and specified that it use comma as the delimiter, but still nothing.

Is there a way around this?

Answer 1

Yes, you will have to type it manually

I used the same combinations which you had used and it does give semi colon as the separator even though comma is list separator.

The moment you change decimal separator to dot, it will follow the rule. It will save with comma separator when comma is list separator.

I think there is a logic behind this in the mind of Excel developers. If decimal separator is comma and you use decimal number in your csv file, then that decimal number will appear with comma. Now if list separator is also comma, your number will get separated at decimal when somebody imports this csv file. That is why Excel automatically put semi colon as separator to avoid confusion.

In my view, this is a perfectly OK behavior.

Now, since you want to retain the same regional settings - The option is to open the csv file in Notepad and replace all semi colons with comma (but beware about your decimal numbers with comma)

Answer 2

Welcome! If you don't have any more questions, feel free to choose a rating and have a great day!

Answer 3

Correct, this is what we have been doing - using Notepad.

Previously, we were using OpenOffice to edit the CSV files, but are no longer permitted to use this application in our organisation.

I have for now changed my decimal seperator to a fullstop to avoid having this problem. 

I was simply curious if Microsoft had another solution.

Thank you for your assistance.

Answer 4

I've done that - apologies did not explain well.

And still it saves with semicolon.

Answer 5

Hello Nicolas

I am V. Arya, Independent Advisor, to work with you on this issue. List separator governs this not decimal separator. Change that to comma (but it will also mean that in your formulas, you will have to use comma as separator. Existing formulas will be converted on their own)

Windows key+r - Type intl.cpl and enter - Additional settings - Change list separator here