Tips to open TSV file

Can't open the TSV file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open TSV files as well as a list of programs that support TSV files.

TSV file extension

File Name Tab Separated Values Format
File Category Data Files

The TSV file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the TSV files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the TSV file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 6
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is TSV file?

The .TSV file is a text file. It is similar to a .CSV file. The only difference is that the values are separated by a tab instead of a comma. Data saved in this way can be imported into spreadsheets. Files of this type do not store information about how each field is formatted, so it is done during import. Therefore, it is important to improvise the file, not open it, unless you are working directly on the file. It is a popular form of data transfer between systems.

How to open TSV file?

The main problem with Tab Separated Values Format is that the TSV file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that TSV files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the TSV file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Excel

The first step is to check if the computer has the Microsoft Excel program installed. This can be achieved by typing Microsoft Excel into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file TSV with Microsoft Excel. Below is a list of programs that support the file TSV.

Programs to open TSV file

Remember to download programs supporting TSV files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Excel with TSV files

If, despite the installed application, the TSV file does not start in the Microsoft Excel application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can select the desired program. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the TSV file with the Microsoft Excel application.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Excel to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Microsoft Excel program, it is possible that Tab Separated Values Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Microsoft Corporation page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the TSV file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the TSV file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file TSV or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected TSV files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of TSV file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair TSV file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted TSV files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move TSV to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the TSV file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the TSV file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the TSV file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.