How to Save as a CSV in Excel 2010 By Default

Excel 2010 is a very versatile program that lets you perform a number of spreadsheet-related activities.

It also has the ability to convert spreadsheet documents that are not in the Excel file format while simultaneously permitting you to save your own created files to non-Excel file formats.

This is very helpful when you are dealing with spreadsheet-compatible document types like comma-separated value (CSV) files.

Many databases and other Web-based applications use the CSV file format because of its versatility and if you frequently need to create CSV files to upload to those applications, it might be easier for you if Excel saves to that file format by default.

Set CSV as the Default Excel 2010 File Type

One important thing to consider when you are saving to the CSV file type is that Excel has a number of options and objects that are not compatible with CSV.

Fortunately, Excel will let you know if a document that you are creating has any formatting that is not compatible with CSV, and that that formatting will be lost if you continue saving the file in the CSV format.

Step 1: Launch Excel 2010.

Step 2: Click the File tab at the top-left corner of the window, then click Options at the bottom of the column on the left side of the window.

open the excel 2010 options window

Step 3: Click the Save option in the column at the left side of the Excel Options window.

click the save tab in excel options window

Step 4: Click the drop-down menu to the right of Save files in this format, then choose the CSV (comma delimited) option. Note that there are two other CSV file type options. If you know that you need to use one of those formats, choose that option instead.

save as csv in excel 2010 by default

Step 5: Click the OK button at the bottom of the window to apply your changes.

Now any time you click the Save icon at the top of your window, the document will be saved to the CSV file format by default. If you want to change this option at some point in the future, simply follow the directions in this article, but choose your preferred file type in Step 4.

Now that you know how to save as CSV by default in Excel 2010, you can make it much simpler to create these types of files if that is what you work with primarily.

If you are frequently working with CSV files, it might be in your best interest to open them with Excel by default as well. Read this article to learn how to configure your Windows 7 computer to set Excel as the default program for CSV files.

Join Our Free Newsletter

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy