Export worksheet data as plain text for another system
Use this when a system asks for a .txt file, when you need a simple data extract, or when you want to move worksheet values into a text-based workflow. You can choose how fields are separated and how values are quoted, rather than copying cells one by one.
A practical way to use this page
- Open the workbook and select the worksheet whose rows you need to export.
- Choose the field delimiter expected by the receiving application, such as tabs, commas, pipes, or semicolons.
- Review quotation and empty-cell settings, generate the text, and inspect the output before downloading it.
Choose settings that match the destination
A tab-separated file is often convenient for pasting into spreadsheets, while pipes or semicolons may be useful when commas occur inside values. Quoting can help keep separators inside a field from being mistaken for a boundary. The right settings depend on the application that will read the file.
Plain text does not preserve Excel formatting, formulas as formulas, multiple worksheet tabs, charts, or macros. Check dates, leading zeroes, blank cells, and values containing separators or line breaks. Keep the original workbook until the exported text has been accepted by the next step in your workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep the original file?
Yes. Keep the source until you have reviewed the generated result and confirmed that it meets the needs of the next step in your workflow.
Does a successful conversion guarantee the output is correct for my use?
No. Check the output against your requirements and test it in the application that will receive it, especially when structure or data types matter.