Using CSV

CSV

CSV stands for comma separated values. A CSV file (.csv) allows for data to be saved, imported, or exported in a table structured format. The name derives from its text file form, where the pieces of data are separated by commas, but CSV files are also commonly used with spreadsheet programs, like Microsoft Excel. In the Jostle® platform, the CSV format is mainly used to import and update user data.

There are basic guidelines that must be followed when using CSV and this article provides a nice, clear overview for using CSV as well as how it works with Excel: How To Create a CSV File

Using CSV with special characters

If you're using CSV to import data that contains special characters (accents, symbols, etc), you will need to save it in UTF-8 format to preserve those characters. Newer versions of Excel offer this option when you click on the Save as type drop-down menu when you are saving your file:

If you're not using Excel, or using an older version, you can use Notepad to save a CSV file with UTF-8 encoding as follows:

1. Open the .csv file with Notepad.
2. Navigate to File > Save As.
3. Name the file and add the ".csv" extension to it.
4. In the Save as type field, select "All files (*.*)".
5. Go down to the Encoding field and select "UTF-8"
6. Click Save.