How to Create a CSV File in Google Sheets
Open your Google Sheet, then **File → Download → Comma-separated values (.csv)**. The CSV downloads instantly, UTF-8 encoded, with only the active sheet exported.
Standard export
- Open the sheet at sheets.google.com.
- Click the tab of the sheet you want to export (only the active sheet ships).
- File → Download → Comma-separated values (.csv).
Live CSV link (auto-updates)
File → Share → Publish to web → CSV → Publish. You'll get a URL that serves the current sheet as CSV — great for feeding scripts or BI tools that want the latest data.
Date and locale gotcha
Sheets exports dates in the spreadsheet's locale (Settings → Spreadsheet settings → Locale). If you need ISO dates for an importer, set the cell format to yyyy-mm-dd before exporting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I export all sheets at once?
Not as one CSV — CSV is single-table. Use 'Download → Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)' for multi-sheet exports.
Does Sheets export include formulas?
No — CSV is values only. Formulas evaluate and only the resulting value is exported.