# CSV vs TSV for NotebookLM data tables

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/csv-vs-tsv  
Section: Compare  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

CSV is the most widely accepted table format, used by Google Sheets, Airtable, Notion and databases. TSV separates columns with tabs instead of commas, which makes it safer when cells contain commas, as NotebookLM table text often does, and it opens cleanly in Excel. Both are free exports.

## Side by side

|  | CSV (comma-separated) | TSV (tab-separated) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Accepted by import tools | Almost all | Most spreadsheets |
| Cells with commas | Need quoting | No problem |
| Opens in Excel by double-click | Yes, with regional quirks | Yes |
| Paste into a spreadsheet | Needs import | Pastes into columns |

## Which to choose

- Choose **CSV (comma-separated)** if the destination is a database, Airtable, Notion or a script.
- Choose **TSV (tab-separated)** if the destination is Excel, or cells contain long sentences.

## Frequently asked questions

### CSV (comma-separated) or TSV (tab-separated): which is better?

Neither in general. Choose CSV (comma-separated) if the destination is a database, Airtable, Notion or a script. Choose TSV (tab-separated) if the destination is Excel, or cells contain long sentences.

### Is there a real .xlsx export for tables?

Data tables export as CSV and TSV, which Excel opens. Flashcards have a native XLSX export.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM data tables to CSV](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-csv)
- [Export NotebookLM data tables to Excel](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-excel)
- [NotebookLM to Airtable: tables as bases](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/integrations/notebooklm-to-airtable)
- [BibTeX vs RIS for NotebookLM sources](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/bibtex-vs-ris)
- [OPML vs FreeMind for NotebookLM mind maps](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/opml-vs-freemind)
- [PNG vs SVG for a NotebookLM mind map image](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/compare/png-vs-svg-mind-map)