CSV vs TSV
CSV and TSV are both plain text table formats. The difference is the delimiter: CSV usually uses commas, while TSV uses tabs. Many spreadsheet and database tools can export either format.
| Format | Delimiter | Example | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSV | Comma | name,email,total | General spreadsheet and import workflows. |
| TSV | Tab | name email total | Data that contains many commas in text fields. |
| Semicolon CSV | Semicolon | name;email;total | Regional spreadsheet settings and some accounting exports. |
| Pipe-delimited | Pipe | name|email|total | Database, log, and system exports. |
Which one should you upload?
Upload the file you have. Universal CSV Cleaner detects comma, semicolon, tab, and pipe delimiters automatically. After cleanup, it exports standard CSV.
Why export as CSV?
CSV is widely accepted by Excel, Google Sheets, Airtable, CRMs, databases, and marketplace import tools. Exporting one consistent format makes the cleaned file easier to reuse.
When TSV is useful
TSV can be easier when text fields contain many commas, such as product titles, addresses, notes, and descriptions. Tabs are less common inside normal text, so fewer values need quoting before import.
When CSV is useful
CSV is usually the safer final export because more tools expect it by default. After cleaning, use the preview to confirm that columns stayed aligned and that quoted text did not split into extra fields.
Before using the cleaned file
Always review the preview table and row counts. If the file has sensitive data, remember that the cleaner is designed to process contents locally in your browser during normal use.
Clean CSV or TSV