How to Convert CSV Files to Excel Using Google Sheets, LibreOffice, and Ron’s Data Edit

When managing large datasets, CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are among the most commonly used formats. However, many users prefer to work with Excel spreadsheets for their flexibility and advanced tools. If you’ve ever wondered how to convert CSV files into Excel format using Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, or Ron’s Data Edit, this step-by-step guide will help you do it easily and efficiently.

Link to the tools used in the video:

• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/
• https://es.libreoffice.org/descarga/libreoffice/
• https://ronsplace.ca/Products/RonsDataEdit/Download

Understanding the Difference Between CSV and Excel Formats

Before diving into the conversion methods, it’s important to understand what sets CSV and Excel apart:

• CSV files are plain text files that store data separated by commas. They are lightweight, compatible with most software, and easy to share.
• Excel files (XLSX/XLS), on the other hand, can include complex formatting, formulas, charts, and multiple sheets.

Converting from CSV to Excel allows you to enhance data presentation, apply formulas, and analyze your data more effectively.

1. Converting CSV to Excel with Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a free, cloud-based tool that allows users to import and edit CSV files effortlessly. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Upload Your CSV File

1. Go to Google Sheets.
2. Click on “Blank Spreadsheet.”
3. In the top menu, select File → Import → Upload.
4. Drag and drop your CSV file or browse to locate it.

Step 2: Adjust Import Settings

A pop-up will appear with several options:

• Choose “Replace current sheet” or “Insert new sheet” depending on your preference.
• Make sure “Comma” is selected as the separator if your file uses commas.
• Click “Import data.”

Step 3: Save as Excel

Once the data appears in Google Sheets:

1. Go to File → Download → Microsoft Excel (.xlsx).
2. The file will download automatically in Excel format.

✅ Pro Tip: Google Sheets automatically detects encoding and delimiters, preventing issues like misplaced columns or broken characters.

2. Converting CSV to Excel Using LibreOffice Calc

LibreOffice Calc is a powerful open-source alternative to Microsoft Excel, widely used for handling spreadsheet data. It also supports CSV import and export with great customization options.

Step 1: Open Your CSV File

1. Launch LibreOffice Calc.
2. Go to File → Open and select your CSV file.
3. A Text Import dialog box will appear.

Step 2: Configure Import Options

• Choose the Character Set (UTF-8 is recommended).
• Under Separator Options, check Comma.
• You can preview the data below to ensure columns are correctly aligned.

Click OK when done, and your CSV will open in a spreadsheet format.

Step 3: Save as Excel

Once you’re satisfied with how the data looks:

1. Go to File → Save As.
2. In the Save as Type dropdown, select Microsoft Excel 2007–365 (.xlsx).
3. Click Save.

✅ Pro Tip: LibreOffice gives you more control over delimiters, text encoding, and data type recognition, making it ideal for complex or non-standard CSV files.

3. Converting CSV to Excel Using Ron’s Data Edit

If you frequently work with CSV files, Ron’s Data Edit is a specialized tool designed for managing, cleaning, and converting CSV and text data efficiently. It’s particularly useful for large datasets or repetitive conversions.

Step 1: Open CSV File in Ron’s Data Edit

1. Open the application.
2. Go to File → Open and select your CSV file.
3. The program will automatically parse your data into a table view.

Step 2: Edit or Clean Data (Optional)

You can:

• Remove duplicates
• Filter or sort columns
• Merge or split data fields
• Adjust column types and headers

Step 3: Export to Excel Format

1. After editing, go to File → Export → Excel File (.xlsx).
2. Choose your destination folder and click Save.

✅ Pro Tip: Ron’s Data Edit is faster and more precise for heavy data manipulation compared to spreadsheet software, especially when dealing with hundreds of thousands of rows.

Best Practices for Smooth CSV-to-Excel Conversion

To avoid formatting errors and ensure accurate conversion, follow these recommendations:

1. Check Your CSV Encoding

Always verify the encoding format (UTF-8, ANSI, etc.) before conversion to prevent misread characters.

2. Review Delimiters

Not all CSV files use commas. Some use semicolons, tabs, or pipes (|). Adjust your import settings accordingly.

3. Validate Numeric and Date Fields

Make sure Excel or your chosen software interprets numbers and dates correctly—sometimes they appear as plain text.

4. Save Backups

Always keep a copy of your original CSV file before making changes or exporting to Excel.

Why Convert CSV to Excel?

While CSV files are ideal for raw data storage and sharing, Excel offers several key advantages:

• Advanced Formatting: Apply colors, fonts, and styles for better readability.
• Formulas and Functions: Perform calculations automatically.
• Data Visualization: Create charts and pivot tables easily.
• Multiple Sheets: Manage different datasets within a single file.

Converting CSV to Excel unlocks the full potential of your data, making it easier to analyze and present professionally.

Conclusion: Choose the Tool That Fits Your Workflow

Each method has its own strengths:

Tool	Best For	Highlights
Google Sheets	Cloud-based collaboration	Free, easy, and automatic conversion
LibreOffice Calc	Offline and open-source users	Full control over import settings
Ron’s Data Edit	Professionals handling large datasets	Fast, clean, and accurate editing

No matter which tool you choose, converting CSV files to Excel has never been easier. With just a few steps, you can transform raw data into a polished, professional spreadsheet ready for analysis, reporting, or presentation.