Download data: CSV file format

Comma separated values (CSV) is a text-based format to store rows and columns. It's the most widely supported tabular data format and works with virtually any spreadsheet or statistical software.

When to use CSV

CSV is ideal when you need to:

• Open your data directly in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• Work with flat, tabular data (rows and columns)
• Share data with collaborators who may not have specialized software
• Perform quick data exploration before more complex analysis

For hierarchical or nested data, consider using JSON instead.

Compatible data structures

CSV format is available for these data structures:

• Table structure — Rows and columns of form responses
• Annotations structure — One row per stimulus annotation
• Metadata structure — Participant and recruitment information

Loading CSV data

Microsoft ExcelGoogle SheetsPythonR

Here's how to import the data from a .csv file into your Excel worksheet:

1. Press Data on the ribbon, and then From Text/CSV.
2. Find the CSV file and click Import.
3. In the next dialog, choose Delimited and click Next.
4. Make sure Comma is selected as a delimiter.
5. Continue through the steps to customize the data import.

Here's how to import the data from a .csv file into Google Sheets:

1. Open a new or existing Sheets document.
2. Choose File → Import.
3. Select Upload and find the file on your computer.
4. Choose your import options and click Import data.

import pandas as pd

# Load the CSV file
data = pd.read_csv('Meadows_myStudy_metadata.csv')

# Display the first few rows
print(data.head())

# Load the CSV file
data <- read.csv('Meadows_myStudy_metadata.csv')

# Display the first few rows
head(data)