How to convert CSV to TSV or another delimiter
Use Delimiter Converter when a delimited table needs a different separator. Drop a file or paste text into Delimited table data, set the input rules, inspect the parsed rows, then set the output rules and download the converted file. Cell text stays unchanged unless you define null handling.
- Drop a delimited file here, click
browse files, or paste delimited text intoDelimited table data. - Set
DelimitertoAuto-detect,Comma (,),Tab,Semicolon (;),Pipe (|), orCustom.... For a custom value, enter it inCustom delimiter. Sequences such as\t,\n,\r, and\\are decoded. - Set
Quote character,Escape style,Header row, andEncoding. AddNull marker (exact text)or enableTreat unquoted empty field as nullwhen those values occur in the input. - Set the output options, review
Converted result, then clickDownload converted file.
How output settings change CSV delimiters
Input and output delimiters are separate. Choose Semicolon (;) for the input and Comma - CSV (,) for the output to make this change:
Input
name;city
Alice;London
Bob;Paris
Output
name,city
Alice,London
Bob,ParisOutput Quoting controls how each field is written. Minimal (only when needed) adds quotes when a field contains the delimiter, quote character, or a newline. Quote every field quotes every field. Never quote (error if unsafe) stops the export when a field contains one of those characters.
How Auto-detect and Header row interpret a table
Auto-detect checks comma, tab, semicolon, and pipe delimiters across up to 25 lines, while ignoring candidate characters inside the selected quote character. It does not detect an arbitrary custom delimiter, so choose Custom... for a value such as ::.
Header row set to Auto-detect compares the first two parsed rows and uses numeric-looking cells in its guess. Choose First row is a header or No header row to override it. With no header row, the preview labels columns Column 1, Column 2, and later columns in the same pattern.
The preview shows at most the first 200 data rows. Download converted file exports all parsed rows.
What null and quote options change
A matching unquoted value becomes null when it equals Null marker (exact text). Enable Treat unquoted empty field as null to treat empty unquoted fields the same way. During export, Write null values as supplies the text for null cells. Other cell text keeps its value while the converter applies the output delimiter and quoting rules.
The parser reports an unexpected quote inside an unquoted field and an unterminated quoted field. Rows with different column counts produce warnings and remain available for export. Empty input, an empty custom delimiter, or an unsafe value under Never quote (error if unsafe) stops the download.
Where this comes up
A database export arrives with semicolons, while the next spreadsheet expects comma-separated CSV. Load the export, set Delimiter to Semicolon (;), choose Comma - CSV (,) for the output, and download the converted text.
A legacy report uses a short sequence such as :: between fields. Choose Custom..., enter the sequence under Custom delimiter, and inspect the parsed rows before downloading.
A data handoff includes literal NULL markers or blank fields. Set the matching input rule, then choose the required replacement under Write null values as.
When another spreadsheet converter fits better
Use Spreadsheet Convert Tools to compare spreadsheet-format conversions. Choose CSV to Excel Converter when the result must be an XLSX workbook with column types or multiple sheets. Choose CSV JSON Converter when the data is moving between CSV and JSON, including nested objects or arrays. Choose CSV to XML Converter when columns need to become XML elements or attributes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert CSV to TSV?
Set the input Delimiter to Comma (,) or Auto-detect. Choose Tab - TSV for the output delimiter, then click Download converted file.
How do I change a semicolon-delimited file to CSV?
Choose Semicolon (;) as the input delimiter and Comma - CSV (,) as the output delimiter. Check the parsed rows in Converted result before downloading.
Can I convert text with a custom delimiter?
Yes. Choose Custom... for the input or output delimiter, then enter the character or sequence in Custom delimiter.
What does Auto-detect do in Delimiter Converter?
Auto-detect compares comma, tab, semicolon, and pipe patterns across up to 25 lines. It does not identify arbitrary custom delimiters.
Does Delimiter Converter upload my file?
No. The page reads the selected file or pasted text in the browser, creates the converted text there, and uses a browser download for the result.