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Why when I format a CSV file in excel it does not save the changes?

Anonymous
2025-01-31T00:40:37+00:00

The only changes I have made was to add headings, bolded text, highlighted blocks and added borders? When I save and exit and reopen it reverts back the the original CSV file that I imported. I have never had this issue before until now.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-31T07:12:27+00:00

    Hi CrowHRV,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    This is completely normal. A CSV file is a plain text file, and you can even open it with the Notepad application because it only contains raw data and delimiters, without any formatting, formulas, styles, or metadata.

    When you open a CSV file in Excel, Excel treats it as a temporary data source rather than a complete workbook file (.xlsx). The .xlsx file is the proper Excel file format, which can fully save modifications to formatting and formulas.

    Therefore, if you want to save the formatting edits you made to the CSV file, you need to convert it to an .xlsx file:

    1. Open the CSV file in Excel.
    2. Click File > Save As.
    3. Choose the Excel Workbook (.xlsx) format and save it. 

    If you have any other questions or want to share more context, please let me know in your reply!

    Best Regards,

    Thomas C - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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