How to validate spreadsheets
Spreadsheet Validate Tools groups checks for delimited spreadsheet files. Use CSV & TSV Validator and Formatter for CSV or TSV syntax checks, delimiter and line-ending detection, parser settings, issue review, and canonical output.
Check CSV and TSV syntax
Open CSV & TSV Validator and Formatter when you need to check a delimited file's syntax. The tool detects the delimiter and line endings automatically. You can also select the quote, escape, encoding, and header settings yourself when those values are known.
This sample contains a header and one data row. The parsed values are shown below:
Input
name,amount
Ada,12
Parsed values
name = Ada
amount = 12Review parsed data and export canonical CSV
Review the reported issues and parsed data before exporting. When the parsed data is valid, export it as canonical CSV or TSV for the next system that reads the file.
Automatic delimiter and line-ending detection reads those parts of the input for you. Manual quote, escape, encoding, and header settings let you check the file against values you already know. If the issue list still contains problems, fix the source before exporting valid parsed data.
Typical spreadsheet validation jobs
- Check a CSV file's syntax, delimiter, line endings, quote, escape, encoding, and header settings before another system reads it.
- Check a tab-separated file with automatic delimiter and line-ending detection, then review the parsed data and issue list.
- Use manual quote, escape, encoding, and header settings when the file's expected values are documented.
- Export canonical CSV or TSV after the parsed data is valid.
Choose the right spreadsheet tool
Use Spreadsheet Validate Tools for delimited-file syntax checks, delimiter or line-ending detection, parser settings, issue review, and canonical output. Open Spreadsheet Tools when you need to clean, compare, or convert CSV, TSV, or Excel files. This category has one listed child, CSV & TSV Validator and Formatter.
Where to start if you are unsure
Start with CSV & TSV Validator and Formatter for a CSV or TSV syntax check. Use Spreadsheet Tools for an Excel file, or when the task is cleaning, comparison, or conversion.
Frequently asked questions
How do I validate a CSV file?
Open CSV & TSV Validator and Formatter, then review the CSV syntax, detected delimiter and line endings, parsed data, and reported issues. You can export valid parsed data as canonical CSV.
Can I check TSV syntax?
Yes, the CSV & TSV Validator and Formatter checks TSV syntax as well as CSV syntax. It can detect the delimiter and line endings automatically, or you can select the quote, escape, encoding, and header settings manually.
What does a CSV validator and formatter do with parsed data?
It reviews issues and lets you inspect the parsed data before exporting valid results as canonical CSV or TSV. The selected delimiter, line-ending, quote, escape, encoding, and header settings affect how the input is interpreted.
When should I use Spreadsheet Tools instead?
Use Spreadsheet Tools when you need to clean, compare, or convert CSV, TSV, or Excel files. Choose Spreadsheet Validate Tools when the task is checking delimited-file syntax and parsing.