> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/using-the-software/general-operation/exporting-tabular-results.md).

# Exporting Tabular Results

How to export SEL tabular results to CSV or Excel and fix common pasting and formatting issues.

### How can I export tabular results to Excel or other spreadsheet software?

You can export many result tables from SEL to spreadsheet-friendly formats using the right-click context menu available in tabular result views.

The tabular-result context menu includes the following options:

#### Save to CSV

* Saves the entire table content to a `.csv` (Comma-Separated Values) file.
* SEL prompts you to choose a file location and name.
* Once saved, you will also be prompted if you want to automatically open the file.
* CSV files can be opened by all major spreadsheet applications and are useful for permanent records or advanced analysis.

#### Copy to Clipboard

* Copies the right-clicked table content to your system clipboard.
* The copied content is formatted using standard tab delimiters, allowing for easy pasting into Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or any other spreadsheet software.

### How do I properly open a CSV file exported from the software in Excel?

When you paste data from the software or open a CSV file, Excel may not always separate the values into columns correctly depending on your default settings and preferences. This is because the data is tab-delimited, not comma-delimited, to preserve numbers that include commas (e.g., “1,234.56”).

Here are some useful tips to help ensure proper formatting:

#### When opening a CSV file

Don't double-click the file.

1. Open Excel.
2. On the **Data** tab, select **Get & Transform Data** > **From Text/CSV**.
3. Browse to and select your saved `.csv` file.
4. In the import preview window, set **Delimiter** to **Tab**.
5. Confirm that the columns look correct.
6. Select **Load** to bring the data into Excel.

#### When pasting data from the Clipboard

1. In Excel, on the **Home** tab, select **Paste** > **Use Text Import Wizard...**.
2. Select **Delimited**, then select **Next**.
3. Select the **Tab** delimiter, clear the other delimiter options, then select **Next**.
4. (Optional) Select columns that contain text. Set **Column data format** to **Text**.
5. This can be helpful step if you are getting a `#NAME?` error due to Excel trying to automatically convert some text strings, like "+D+L", into equations.
6. Select **Finish**.

### Why doesn’t the exported CSV file behave like a regular Excel file?

Although CSV files can be opened in Excel, they are not the same as native Excel (.xlsx) files. A CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file is a plain text format that stores data using a simple delimiter (tabs or commas), and it does not support many features you may be used to in Excel.

Here are a few limitations of CSV files to keep in mind:

* **No formulas:** Any formulas used in your SEL results or calculated externally will not be preserved.
* **No formatting:** Cell colors, fonts, number formatting, and other styling are not included in a CSV.
* **No multiple sheets:** CSV files contain only a single sheet of data.
* **No data types:** Excel may guess the data type of each column when you open a CSV, which can lead to misinterpretation (e.g., converting "+D+L" to a formula).
* **No saved Excel features:** Filters, charts, conditional formatting, pivot tables, and other advanced features do not exist in a CSV.

{% hint style="success" %}
**TIP:** Once you open a CSV in Excel and make changes or add formatting, use **File** > **Save As** to save the file as an Excel Workbook (`.xlsx`). This preserves your work and gives you access to the full feature set of Excel.
{% endhint %}

### How do I fix the `#NAME?` error when pasting into Excel?

This error often happens when Excel interprets certain text strings (like "+D+L") as invalid formulas. Excel may automatically insert an equals sign (=) at the beginning, trying to treat the text as a formula, which leads to a `#NAME?` error.

To prevent or fix this:

#### Option 1: Use the Text Import Wizard

Follow the steps in the earlier [When pasting data from the Clipboard](#when-pasting-data-from-the-clipboard) section. Set **Column data format** to **Text** for columns that contain text.

#### Option 2: Correct the pasted content

Manually correct the pasted content. If the data is already pasted and shows `#NAME?`:

1. Select the affected cells.
2. Remove the leading = sign that Excel may have added.
3. Add a single quote (') at the beginning of the string (e.g., '+D+L) to force Excel to treat it as plain text.


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