Solution: Exported CSV Columns are Misaligned or Off when I open the file

Modified on Sat, 16 Jul, 2022 at 2:34 AM

CAUSE

Your returned data likely contains commas.

This is not a bug with Crystal Delivery or Crystal Reports. This is simply how CSV (Comma Separated Values) work.

The returned data being returned from the database is confusing Excel (and google sheets in my case).

SOLUTION:

You will set the Delimiter in Crystal Delivery > Settings > File Export > CSV > Delimiter > Set to "+" without quotes or use something else
In Excel, you will follow the instructions to change the Delimiter it expects to a "+" sign
https://www.spreadsheetweb.com/how-to-change-csv-delimiter-in-excel/

The data will look like +field1+field2+,,,,,,+field 4

The + sign will not interfere with the returned commas.

Proof - My Test

Proof - Export Results