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When you download a report from TrainingLink, it saves as a CSV file (Comma-Separated Values). This is a universal format that works with Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheet programs — but on some computers, it doesn't automatically open in Excel the way you'd expect.
If your downloaded report opens as plain text, opens in a web browser tab, or prompts you to choose a program, follow the steps below.
Option 1: Open Excel First, Then Open the File
This is the most reliable method.
- Open Excel on your computer (don't open the CSV file directly yet).
- Click File > Open.
- Browse to your Downloads folder (or wherever your browser saves files).
- If you don't see your file listed, change the file type filter (bottom-right of the dialog) to All Files or Text Files (*.csv).
- Select your report file and click Open.
Excel will display the report in spreadsheet format with rows and columns.
Option 2: Set CSV Files to Always Open in Excel (Windows)
If you want every CSV file to open in Excel automatically going forward:
- Find a CSV file in your Downloads folder.
- Right-click the file and select Properties.
- Next to "Opens with," click Change.
- Select Excel from the list (click "More apps" if you don't see it).
- Click OK.
All CSV files will now open in Excel by default.
Option 3: Set CSV Files to Always Open in Excel (Mac)
- Find a CSV file in your Downloads folder.
- Right-click (or Control-click) the file and select Get Info.
- Under Open with, select Excel from the dropdown.
- Click Change All... to apply this to every CSV file.
- Confirm when prompted.
If You Don't Have Excel
If you don't have Microsoft Excel installed, you can still view your report for free using:
- Google Sheets — Go to sheets.google.com, click the folder icon, click "Upload," and select your CSV file.
- Numbers (Mac, pre-installed) — Right-click the file > Open With > Numbers.
Still Having Trouble?
If your report opens but everything appears in one column instead of separate columns, your spreadsheet program may need a quick formatting fix — contact TrainingLink Support and we can walk you through it.