CSV File Too Big to Open? Here’s How to Fix It Easily

Summary :

In this article, we will discover how to fix CSV file to big to open using both manual and automated methods for better performance and enhanced productivity.

Are you unable to open your CSV dataset because your CSV file is too big to open? Don’t worry, this is a common problem faced by everyone, especially when working with large datasets. CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are widely used to store data, but tools like Microsoft Excel have limitations when handling very large files.

In this guide, we will discuss why it happens and how to fix or open CSV file too large for Excel using simple solutions without losing data.

Why Is Your CSV File Too Big to Open?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to know the reasons for hwy theis erro happens. Here are a few common reasons given below:

1. Excel Row Limit

If you are using Microsoft Excel, it has a maximum limit of:

• 1,048,576 rows
• 16,384 columns

If your CSV file exceeds this limit, Excel will not open it completely.

2. System Memory Limit

Large CSV files (1GB, 2GB, or more) require high RAM and processing power. If your system does not have enough memory, the file may freeze or fail to open.

3. File Corruption

Sometimes the file is partially corrupted due to improper download or transfer, which prevents it from opening.

Until now, we’ve understood the common reasons why users face this problem. Let’s walk through the article and resolve the error.

How to Fix CSV File Too Big to Open Error?

In the following section, we will be disccusing best methods to fix the problem. Quickly understand them.

1. Divide CSV data files into manageable parts
2. Using Excel Power Query
3. Try an advanced software

Let’s understand them with an explanation.

Method 1: Split the CSV File into Smaller Parts

If your CSV file is too big, splitting it is one of the easiest solutions.

You can:

• Use Notepad++ for larger files.
• Use command-line tools.
• Try an advanced software.

Note: We recommend using an automated solution, which is SysTools CSV Splitter Tool, for splitting one large CSV file into multiple files effectively.

How Does This Professional Tool Work?

Follow the easy steps to operate the tool:

1. Install and launch the certified solution on your system.
2. Tap on Add file option to upload CSV files to the software.
3. Select the Splitting criteria, such as by Rows or Size.
4. Choose the location path to store the output file.
5. Finally, click on Split button to start the process.

Splitting helps you:

• Avoid Excel row limits.
• Improve system performance.
• Manage data in smaller chunks.

This method is especially helpful when working with marketing data, email lists, or database exports.

Method 2: Open Large CSV File Using Excel Power Query

Instead of double-clicking the file, try this method:

1. Open Excel.
2. Go to Data > Get Data > From Text/CSV.
3. Select your CSV file.
4. Click Load To and choose how you want to import the data.

Power Query handles large datasets better than normal file opening.

Tips to Prevent CSV File Too Big Errors

Here are some practical tips:

• Remove unnecessary columns before saving.
• Filter unwanted data before export.
• Compress files when transferring.
• Upgrade system RAM if handling large amounts of data regularly.
• Split data during export instead of after download.

Conclusion

In this explanatory article, we’ve discovered how to fix CSV file too big to open using both manual and automated solutions. Using a manual method like Power Query may be unreliable, inaccurate, and risk data loss. In such cases, we recommend using software that has been suggested by experts. As it’s accurate, reliable, and secure, it prevents data loss.