.TSV File Extension

File Type 1

Tab-Separated Values File

Developer N/A
Popularity
3.5  |  99 Votes
Category Data Files
Format Text

What is a TSV file?

A TSV file is a tab-separated values file commonly used by spreadsheet applications to exchange data between databases. It stores a data table in which each record in the table is on a separate line, and data columns are separated by tabs.

More Information
Screenshot of a .tsv file in Microsoft Excel 365
TSV file open in Microsoft Excel 365

The TSV format is one of the most common formats for transferring data between applications and databases. It is an alternative format to .CSV, which is another popular format for exporting spreadsheet data. However, CSV files use commas to separate columns of data instead of tabs.

TSV files are especially helpful for transferring data saved in a proprietary format into another program that does not support the format. For example, you can export email addresses in a spreadsheet application to a TSV file to upload it to an online emailing service. Or, you can export financial information from an online financial service to a TSV file, then import the file into a spreadsheet application.

NOTE: TSV files may also be saved as .TAB files.

How to open a TSV file

You can open TSV files with a large number of applications, including Microsoft Excel (multiplatform) and OpenOffice Calc (multiplatform).

You can upload TSV files to Google Sheets to view, edit, save, and convert the files. You can also open TSV files on mobile devices with Google Sheets (Android and iOS) and TSV File Viewer (Android).

Since TSV files are saved as plain text, you can open them with a plain text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad (bundled with Windows) and Apple TextEdit (bundled with macOS).

Open and view .TSV files with File Viewer Plus.Free Download

Programs that open or reference TSV files

Updated August 12, 2021
File Type 2

Digital Receiver Video Recording

Developer N/A
Popularity
3.8  |  16 Votes
Category Video Files
Format Binary

A TSV file contains a recording of a television program. Various digital and satellite TV receivers, such as Tiger I555 and Freeview, create TSV files when a user records a program. The receivers then use the TSV file to play back the recorded program.

More Information

TSV files store video in the Advanced Video Coding (AVC) format, audio in the MPEG-1 format, and text in the Teletext subtitle format. Most TSV files are encrypted, so they can be played back only by the receiver that created them.

How to open a TSV file

If your TSV file is encrypted, you can play it only using the TV receiver that created it. However, if your TSV file is not encrypted, you can play it using VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform). You can also install the K-Lite Codec Pack and use it to play an unencrypted TSV file in Media Player Classic (Windows) or Windows Media Player (Windows).

How to convert a TSV file

You can use VideoLAN VLC media player or Aiseesoft Free Video Converter to convert unencrypted TSV files to other video formats. For example, VLC can convert TSV videos to:

  • .MP4 - MPEG-4 Video
  • .WEBM - WebM Video
  • .TS - Video Transport Stream
  • .ASF - Advanced Systems Format

Programs that open TSV files

Windows
Supported by the TV receiver that created the TSV file
Mac
Supported by the TV receiver that created the TSV file
Linux
Supported by the TV receiver that created the TSV file
Updated May 4, 2022

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