Convert TSV to CSV on Mac
Select the TSV files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose CSV and press Return. FileFlip saves each CSV next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert TSV to CSV with FileFlip
Select the TSV files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from TSV. Type “CSV” to jump to it.
Choose CSV and press Return
The CSV files appear next to the originals with the same names. The TSV files stay as they are.
TSV and CSV
Like CSV, but values are separated by tabs, so commas inside values don’t need quoting. CSV opens in Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets and nearly every database.
What changes when you convert
- Only the separator changes, from commas to tabs or back.
| Property | TSV | CSV |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tab-separated values | Comma-separated values |
| Best for | Tables with commas in the data; pasting into spreadsheets | Moving tables between spreadsheets, databases and tools |
| Opens in | Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets and most data tools | Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets and most databases |
| File extension | .tsv | .csv |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Numbers
Open the TSV in Numbers and choose File → Export To → CSV.
Good for checking the data on the way.
Excel
If you have Microsoft Excel, open the file, choose File → Save As and pick CSV UTF-8 or Tab delimited Text. Excel saves tab-delimited files with a .txt extension.
Needs Microsoft Excel.
Terminal
For simple files, swap the separator with tr.
tr '\t' ',' < customers.tsv > customers.csvOnly safe when no value contains a comma, tab or quote.
Questions about TSV and CSV
Can I convert many TSV files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose CSV. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the CSV file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .csv extension. The TSV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert CSV back to TSV?
Yes, FileFlip converts CSV to TSV as well.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a folder of data files at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, audio, PDFs and documents. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac