How to Convert CSV to TSV
CSV and TSV both store tables as plain text, but TSV separates columns with tabs instead of commas — which pastes more cleanly into spreadsheets and avoids the quoting quirks that commas cause. This converter switches between them properly. It reads your CSV with a real RFC-4180 parser, so quoted fields, commas inside values and escaped quotes are handled correctly rather than naively split. Each cell's true value is then written into a tab-separated row, with any tabs or newlines inside a value replaced by spaces so your columns never shift. The header and every data row carry over in order. Choose whether your input uses commas or semicolons, then copy or download. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Paste your CSV
Paste your data or load the sample; it's parsed locally with nothing uploaded.
Pick the delimiter
Tell the tool whether your input uses commas or semicolons.
Copy or download
Grab the TSV with one tap or save it as a .tsv file.
CSV vs TSV — What's the Difference?
CSV — comma-separated values
Columns are separated by commas. Because commas often appear inside data, CSV relies on quoting rules, which some tools handle inconsistently.
TSV — tab-separated values
Columns are separated by tabs, which rarely appear inside data, so quoting is usually unnecessary. It pastes cleanly into spreadsheets, making it a tidy alternative to CSV.
Common Use Cases
Paste into Excel
TSV drops into a spreadsheet with each value in its own cell, no import dialog.
Avoid comma issues
Switch to tabs when your data is full of commas that confuse CSV readers.
Google Sheets
Paste tab-separated data straight into Sheets cleanly.
Feed TSV tools
Prepare input for scripts and tools that expect tab-separated data.
Database imports
Many loaders accept TSV with fewer quoting headaches than CSV.
Clean handoff
Give teammates paste-ready tabular data.
European CSVs
Convert semicolon-separated exports into standard TSV.
Quick conversion
A fast, no-install way to switch a file from commas to tabs.
Tips & Best Practices
Match the input delimiter
Pick comma or semicolon to match how your CSV separates columns.
Paste directly into a sheet
TSV is what spreadsheets expect on paste, so it lands in cells without an import step.
Trust the quote handling
Quoted commas are unwrapped correctly, so values stay intact in their own cells.
Tabs inside data are safe
Any tab or newline inside a value becomes a space so columns never break.
Keep a header row
The header carries over unchanged, keeping your columns labelled.
Re-copy the output
Copy the generated TSV rather than an edited preview so real tabs are preserved.
Troubleshooting
Columns split wrongly
Your file may use a different delimiter. Switch between comma and semicolon to match the source.
Commas still in a cell
That's correct — a quoted comma is part of the value and stays inside that single TSV cell.
Output looks space-separated
The preview shows tabs as → for clarity. The copied and downloaded file uses real tab characters.
A value lost a tab
Tabs inside a value are replaced with spaces so they don't create extra columns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert CSV to TSV for free?
Paste your CSV above and tab-separated values appear instantly. Copy them or download a .tsv file — free, no signup.
Does it handle quoted commas?
Yes. A real RFC-4180 parser keeps commas inside quoted fields intact and unwraps the quotes into clean values.
Why use TSV over CSV?
Tabs rarely appear inside data, so TSV usually needs no quoting and pastes into spreadsheets more cleanly than CSV.
Will it paste into Excel correctly?
Yes. Copy the output and paste into Excel or Sheets and each value lands in its own cell.
What happens to tabs inside a value?
Any tab or newline inside a value is replaced with a space so your columns never shift out of alignment.
Can my input use semicolons?
Yes. Choose the semicolon option for European-style CSV exports.
Is the header preserved?
Yes. The header row and all data rows carry over in the same order.
Are quotes removed?
Yes. CSV quoting is unwrapped so the output shows the clean underlying values.
Does the preview use real tabs?
The preview shows tabs as → for clarity, but the copied and downloaded output contains real tab characters.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Everything happens inside your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
Can I download the result?
Yes. Save the output as a .tsv file, or copy it straight to your clipboard.
How large a file can it handle?
It comfortably converts thousands of rows, all within your browser.
Can I convert TSV back to CSV?
Yes — use our TSV to CSV converter for the reverse direction.
Does it preserve Unicode?
Yes. Any Unicode characters in your data are preserved in the TSV output.
Does it change my data's values?
No, apart from replacing in-cell tabs and newlines with spaces to keep the table aligned.
Can I convert to JSON instead?
Yes — use our CSV to JSON converter for JSON output.
Does it work on phones?
Yes, in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Android or iPhone with nothing to install.
Is this converter really free?
Completely free, forever — no account, no ads and no premium wall.
100% free · No signup · Processed in your browser · Data never sent
Last updated: August 2026 · FlipMyFormat CSV to TSV Converter
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team · Runs entirely in your browser