FAQ: How do I open a .tsv file in Excel?

In the Rievent Platform, NARS exports are generated in .tsv format, which makes it very simple to make changes, if needed.  When opening the file, most computers will default to using Microsoft Excel, however, sometimes this is not the case and the file opens in Notepad or some other application that makes it difficult to edit.  

If Microsoft Excel is not the default application for opening .tsv files, you can change this by following the steps below. Steps are outlined for Windows 10 and Windows 7 users. The .tsv file can also be opened directly using Excel. 

Setting Excel as the default application to open .tsv files (Windows 10)

1. Locate the .tsv file on your computer. Unless you saved it elsewhere, the downloaded file is most likely in your computer's Downloads folder.
   
   Right-click the file, select Open with. If you see Excel listed, select it now. Otherwise, click Choose another app and continue to the next step.
   
   
   
   
   
2. If you do not see the Excel in the list, click More apps and follow Steps 3 and 4. If you would like your device to remember this association and always choose Excel to open TSV files automatically, check Always use this app to open .tsv files. Click OK.
   
   
   
   
3. If Excel still not showing, scroll down and click Look for another app on this PC.
   
   
   
4. Select the drive where Windows is installed (C: by default). Search for excel.exe. When the search results appear, select EXCEL. Click Open.

Setting Excel as the default application to open .tsv files (Windows 7)

1. Locate the .tsv file on your computer. Unless you saved it elsewhere, the downloaded file is most likely in your computer's Downloads folder.
   
   Right-click the file and select Open with. If you see Excel listed, select it now. Otherwise, select Choose default program...
   
   
   
   
2. If you see Excel in the list, select it now. Otherwise, click Browse...
   
   
   
3. Select the drive where Windows is installed (C: by default). Search for excel.exe. When the search results appear, select EXCEL and click Open.
   

Open Directly with Excel

This *.tsv file can be opened directly from Excel by following the steps below:

1. Open Microsoft Excel and select a new, blank worksheet.
2. Click File, then select Open.
3. Change the type of file choice to All files.
4. Browse to the file location, select the .tsv file, and click Open.
   
   
5. The “Text Import Wizard” will open. Be sure the “Delimited” file type and click Next.  
   
   
   
6. On Step 2 of the Wizard, make sure the only delimiter marked is Tab.
   
   
   
   
7. On Step 3 of the Wizard, click Finish.