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# Download options

> Download a Mammoth View as CSV or XLSX, or save it as a new Mammoth Dataset; includes the 50,000-row XLSX limit and download troubleshooting.

The download button (⬇) in the View toolbar saves a snapshot of your current View data to your computer. It is separate from the **Export** button—downloads are one-time files, not persistent pipeline connections.

![Download menu headed Save file as with CSV, XLSX and Mammoth Dataset options](https://docs.mammoth.io/api/v1/images/20261009_003714_Download-menu-save-file-as.jpg)

Click the ⬇ button to open the **Save file as...** menu, select **CSV**, **XLSX** or **Mammoth Dataset**, and click **Confirm**. The download button is disabled in edit mode and in a view-only workspace.

Mammoth names CSV and XLSX files automatically, from the first 10 characters of the Dataset name, the first 10 of the View name and a random suffix. There's no file-name field for these formats; rename the file after it downloads.

### What the file contains

- **Hidden columns are left out.** The menu shows a note such as "2 hidden columns excluded".
- **Column order, renames, sort order and formats** from the View are applied.
- **Filtered rows.** If the grid is filtered, the menu shows "Filtered: X of Y rows" and downloads only the filtered rows. Tick **Save all** to include every row instead.

CSV and XLSX downloads depend on your plan. If your plan doesn't include them, **Confirm** is blocked.

## Available formats

### CSV

A plain-text file with values separated by commas. Every database, spreadsheet tool, and data processing library can read it.

**Choose CSV when:**

- You're importing data into another system or database
- The file will be processed by a script (Python, R, etc.)
- The dataset is large and you need the smallest file size
- You need maximum compatibility with external tools

No row limit for CSV downloads.

### XLSX

A formatted Excel workbook. Data types are preserved—dates remain dates, numbers remain numbers.

**Choose XLSX when:**

- The recipient will work with the file in Microsoft Excel
- You need formatted output for a report or presentation
- Data types matter (especially dates and currency values)
- You're sharing with non-technical stakeholders

**Row limit: 50,000 rows.** For larger datasets, download as CSV instead. See [limits and quotas](https://docs.mammoth.io/learn/limits-and-quotas).

### Mammoth dataset

Not a file download. Selecting **Mammoth Dataset** reveals a required **File name** field; **Confirm** stays disabled until you enter one. Confirming saves the View's current data once as a Dataset in your workspace's Data Library.

It is a one-time save. It doesn't create a pipeline task, doesn't include hidden columns, and offers no filter or column mapping. For a Dataset that refreshes on every pipeline run, use **Export → Send to Dataset** instead (see [Send to destinations](https://docs.mammoth.io/learn/export-share/send-to-destinations#send-to-dataset)).

**Choose Mammoth Dataset when:**

- You want to save the View's current output as a new Dataset to build on further, without setting up a recurring pipeline export

## Download vs. export

Downloads are static—they capture data at the moment you click Confirm. If your data changes, you need to download again and re-share the file.

If stakeholders need data that updates automatically without re-downloading, use the **Export → Live link** option instead. The URL stays the same and always returns the latest pipeline output.

|  | Download | Live link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Data freshness | Snapshot at download time | Always current |
| How it's shared | File | URL |
| Updates automatically | No | Yes |
| Works offline | Yes | No |

## Troubleshooting

### Download doesn't start

**Cause:** The browser is blocking downloads from this site.

**Fix:** Allow downloads from this site in your browser settings, or try a different browser.

### XLSX file won't open

**Cause:** The Excel version is older than Excel 2007 and can't read the .xlsx format.

**Fix:** Use Microsoft Excel 2007 or later, or download as CSV.

### "XLSX download is not available for views over 50,000 rows"

**Cause:** The View has more rows than the XLSX row limit. The count applies to the rows being downloaded, so filtering the grid first can bring it under the limit. The download fails rather than producing a truncated file.

**Fix:** Download as CSV instead, which has no row limit.

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Source: https://docs.mammoth.io/learn/export-share/download-options.md · Updated: 2026-10-13