Convert CSV Delimiters
About CSV Delimiters
CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files use a delimiter character to separate fields. While commas are traditional, different regions and software use different delimiters:
| Delimiter | Common Names | When Used |
|---|---|---|
, |
Comma (CSV) | Standard in US/UK, most programming languages, web exports |
; |
Semicolon | European Excel (where comma is decimal separator), SAP exports |
Tab |
Tab (TSV) | Database exports, spreadsheets, data with commas in values |
| |
Pipe | Data containing commas and quotes, Unix pipelines |
Why Quoted Fields Matter
Simple find-and-replace can break CSV files. Consider this data:
name,address,city John Doe,"123 Main St, Apt 4",New York
The address field contains a comma inside quotes. A naive replacement would break the data. This tool properly parses quoted fields, preserving data integrity when converting delimiters.
How It Works
- Parse — Reads CSV character-by-character, respecting quoted sections
- Preserve — Keeps quoted fields intact, handles escaped quotes (
"") - Re-encode — Outputs with new delimiter, adding quotes where needed
Tips
- Use "Quote all fields" if your data might have special characters
- Tab-delimited files rarely need quoting (tabs are uncommon in data)
- European Excel users often need semicolon-delimited files
FAQ
Why doesn't my CSV open correctly in Excel?
Excel uses your regional settings to determine the delimiter. In countries where comma is the decimal separator (Germany, France, etc.), Excel expects semicolon-delimited files. Use this tool to convert to semicolon before opening.
What's the difference between CSV and TSV?
CSV uses commas as delimiters, TSV uses tabs. TSV is often preferred for data that contains commas naturally, like addresses or product descriptions.
How do I handle a file with mixed delimiters?
This tool auto-detects the most common delimiter in your file. If auto-detection fails, manually select the input delimiter that appears between your data columns.
Privacy & Limitations
- All calculations run entirely in your browser -- nothing is sent to any server.
- Results are computed locally and should be verified for critical applications.
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CSV Delimiter Converter FAQ
What is CSV Delimiter Converter?
CSV Delimiter Converter is a free developer tools tool that helps you Change CSV delimiters without breaking quoted fields.
How do I use CSV Delimiter Converter?
Enter your input values, review the calculated output, and adjust inputs until you reach the result you need. The result updates in your browser.
Is CSV Delimiter Converter private?
Yes. Calculations run locally in your browser. Inputs are not uploaded to a server by default, and refreshing the page clears session data.
Does CSV Delimiter Converter require an account or installation?
No. You can use this tool directly in your browser without sign-up or software installation.
How accurate are results from CSV Delimiter Converter?
This tool applies standard formulas or deterministic processing logic for estimates. For medical, legal, tax, or investment decisions, verify with a qualified professional.
Can I save or share outputs from CSV Delimiter Converter?
You can bookmark this page and copy outputs manually. Results are not persisted in your account and are typically not embedded in the URL.