.tsv file extension

.tsv

Tab Separated Values file.

A .tsv file is a text editable data file that contains one record per line with field values for each record separated by tabs. It is a format sometimes used to exchange data between database or spreadsheet systems.

A tab separated values file (TSV) is very similar to a comma separated values file (CSV), except that it uses a tab as a field delimiter instead of a comma. cf .csv.

TSV files may have the first line in the file specifying the field names rather than data. However, this is not guaranteed and TSV files do not need to have field names in the first row - although field names must be in the first row if they are included at all.

Text fields may be quoted. Each row in the TSV file should contain the same number of fields.

TSV files are sometimes used in preference to CSV files as a means to overcome the problem with commas in CSV files. In a CSV file a comma marks the end of a field, and yet text data may legitimately contain a comma. The two ways round this are to either quote the field, so the entire field is inside quotes or to use tabs as the delimiter.

CSV files (.csv) are generally more commonly used than TSV (.tsv) files.

TSV files sometimes have the file extension .csv.

Can you add to this? Do you know of any applications not already listed which will work with .tsv files, view .tsv files or open .tsv files? Are you able to contribute any additional reference information or file format information about .tsv files or have you spotted any errors or omissions? If so please let us know by emailing us at feedback@cryer.co.uk - Thank you.