Can somebody tell me please how to tell Excel to set up right encoding for csv file? It seems it is not possible without any annoying steps. I would like to see something like Libre office or Open office which open dialog where program ask me for encoding for the file. Is there something similar in excel or is it possible to set up encoding for already opened file? Thank you.
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1Do not OPEN the file. Rather IMPORT the file using Power Query or the Legacy Wizard. You can set the encoding at that time. If you OPEN the file, you won't be able to change the encoding afterwards.– Ron RosenfeldCommented Jun 5, 2023 at 13:12
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But it is really useless. I know that I can import the file, but I think there should be a better way. How is that possible that Libre office and Open Office can do it, but Excel not. They never open file which was saved in another encoding?– ČamoCommented Jun 5, 2023 at 13:26
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1You would need to direct your question of "why" toward the developers. Are you saying it is useless to expect someone to remember to click on a different button than Open depending on the type of file they might be opening? If that is the case, you can always add a button that triggers a macro that makes that decision for you.– Ron RosenfeldCommented Jun 5, 2023 at 13:40
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The fault belongs to how the CSV file was created. If it had started with a Byte order mark (BOM), everything would have been automatic.– harrymcCommented Jun 5, 2023 at 14:02
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@RonRosenfeld I mean situation when I click on file in File explorer. Dont want to open Excel first. Thats the point.– ČamoCommented Jun 7, 2023 at 8:04
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1 Answer
If Excel or any other Office application opens a file with the wrong encoding, this usually means that the file lacks Byte order mark (BOM).
The BOM is a header of a few bytes that specified whether the encoding is UTF-8, UTF-16 or UTF-32, or others.
If this CSV file can be created with a BOM, its correct handling by Office will then be automatic.
