CSV to TSV
CSV to TSV parses common CSV quoting, then joins each row's cell values with literal tabs. It does not quote or escape tabs or line breaks already inside a cell, so such content can make the TSV ambiguous or change its apparent rows/columns. It also provides no strict malformed-input diagnostics, encoding choice, schema, formula protection, or download.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceAre tab characters inside cells escaped?
No.
Delimiter conversion must account for the new delimiter
TSV relies on tabs between fields. A robust dialect needs a rule for literal tabs and newlines inside data.
How it works
The custom CSV parser produces cell arrays, cells are joined with \t, and rows with \n.
Key concepts
Quotes are removed during parsing
CSV quoting does not carry into output.
TSV ambiguity
Literal tabs become indistinguishable from delimiters.
When to use it
- Convert simple CSV with no embedded tabs.
- Prepare a quick tab-delimited paste.
- Inspect parsed comma-separated cells.
When not to use it
- Do not convert fields containing tabs without an escape convention.
- Do not assume every CSV dialect.
- Do not expect type or schema handling.
Worked examples
Simple
- Input
a,b\n1,2- Expected output
a⇥b\n1⇥2
Commas become tabs.
Quoted comma
- Input
"a,b",c- Expected output
a,b⇥c
The embedded comma is data.
Embedded tab
- Input
Cell containing a tab- Expected output
Extra apparent column
No TSV quoting occurs.
Common mistakes
Ignoring tabs in data
Column boundaries break. Correction: Validate or escape them.
Assuming quote retention
Parsed values are emitted raw. Correction: Choose a documented TSV dialect.
Using for binary data
This is text parsing. Correction: Use a binary-safe format.
Best practices
- Scan cells for tabs and newlines.
- Test the target importer.
- Keep the original CSV.
Related operations and differences
TSV to CSV
Choose TSV to CSV when you need to convert tab-separated data to CSV.; use CSV to TSV specifically for csv to tsv.
CSV to JSON
Choose CSV to JSON when you need to convert a header-based CSV table to JSON.; use CSV to TSV specifically for csv to tsv.
JSON to CSV
Choose JSON to CSV when you need to convert an array of JSON objects to CSV.; use CSV to TSV specifically for csv to tsv.
CSV Column Remover
Choose CSV Column Remover when you need to remove one CSV column by header name.; use CSV to TSV specifically for csv to tsv.
CSV Formatter
Choose CSV Formatter when you need to normalize CSV quoting and row structure.; use CSV to TSV specifically for csv to tsv.
CSV Transposer
Choose CSV Transposer when you need to swap rows and columns in CSV data.; use CSV to TSV specifically for csv to tsv.
Limitations and privacy
- Comma input and raw-tab output only.
- No output escaping, dialect selection, strict validation, type/schema handling, encoding controls, formula defense, streaming, or download.
The pasted data is parsed and transformed locally in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
Are quoted commas handled?
Common cases are.
Are tabs escaped?
No.
Are values typed?
No.
Is the file downloaded?
No.