How to convert TSV to CSV
Converting TSV to CSV takes three quick steps:
- Add one or more TSV files — drag and drop them or click to browse.
- Click Convert to CSV and let the conversion run in your browser.
- Download your new CSV files individually or as a batch.
What is TSV?
TSV is identical to CSV except columns are separated by tabs instead of commas. Tabs rarely appear inside data, so TSV avoids the quoting headaches CSV can cause when values contain commas.
What is CSV?
CSV is the simplest way to store tabular data: each line is a row and commas separate the columns. It is plain text, opens in Excel, Google Sheets and any programming language, and is the universal format for exporting and importing spreadsheets and databases.
TSV vs CSV: how they compare
Both formats have their place. This table summarises the practical differences so you can pick the right one for the job.
| TSV | CSV | |
|---|---|---|
| Format type | Data | Data |
| Compression | None | None |
| Quality | Lossless | Lossless |
| Best for | Tabular data with commas in the values | Spreadsheet exports and imports |
Why convert TSV to CSV?
Converting TSV to CSV gives you a file that is better suited to spreadsheet exports and imports and moving data between apps, and that opens it up to far more apps, devices and websites.
What CSV gives you: opens in every spreadsheet and language, tiny and human-readable and easy to generate.
Where TSV falls short: less common than CSV, tabs can be invisible and easy to mangle and no nested data. Converting keeps your content while moving to a format that matches where the file is going.
Tips for the best results
- CSV is lossless, so your converted files keep every detail of the original TSV.
- You can convert several files in one go — add as many TSV files as you like and download them together.
- Everything runs locally in your browser, so even large files convert quickly and nothing is uploaded.
TSV to CSV — frequently asked questions
- How do I convert TSV to CSV?
- Add your TSV file, click Convert to CSV, and download the CSV result. The whole process happens in your browser and takes just a few seconds.
- Is it free to convert TSV to CSV?
- Yes. This TSV to CSV converter is completely free with no sign-up, no watermarks and no limit on the number of files you can convert.
- Are my TSV files uploaded to a server?
- No. Conversion runs entirely on your device using your browser, so your files never leave your computer or phone.
- Does converting TSV to CSV reduce quality?
- No. CSV is a lossless format, so the conversion preserves the full quality of your original TSV.
- Can I convert multiple TSV files at once?
- Yes. Add as many TSV files as you like and convert them in a single batch, then download each CSV result.