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# Export formats

> Compare the CSV, XLSX, and Mammoth Dataset options in the Download dialog, including the 50,000-row XLSX limit.

When you click the download (⬇) button in Mammoth, you can save the View as a **CSV** or **XLSX** file, or use the **Mammoth Dataset** option to save it as a new Dataset instead of a file. Each is designed for a different downstream use.

## Quick decision guide

| I need to... | Use |
| --- | --- |
| Import into a database or run a script | CSV |
| Open in Excel for analysis or reporting | XLSX |
| Save the View's output as a new Dataset to keep working on | Mammoth Dataset |
| Export more than 50,000 rows | CSV |
| Share a formatted report with stakeholders | XLSX |

## CSV

A plain-text file—one row per line, values separated by commas. No formatting, no data type metadata. Every tool that handles data can read a CSV.

**Strengths:**

- No row limit—works for any dataset size
- Smallest file size
- Compatible with every database, ETL tool, and programming language

**Limitations:**

- Dates and numbers are stored as plain text (no type information)
- No formatting (no column widths or styling)

## XLSX (Excel workbook)

A formatted Excel file with data type preservation. Dates stay as Excel dates (sortable and filterable), numbers stay as numbers.

**Strengths:**

- Data types preserved—dates, numbers, percentages work correctly in Excel
- Opens directly in Excel

**Limitations:**

- **50,000 row limit** (see [limits and quotas](https://docs.mammoth.io/learn/limits-and-quotas)). Downloads exceeding this limit fail outright with an error ("XLSX download is not available for views over 50,000 rows") rather than producing a truncated file. Use CSV for larger datasets.
- Larger file size than CSV

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For datasets you'll share with business stakeholders in Excel, XLSX keeps data types intact. For anything over 50,000 rows, always use CSV.

## Mammoth dataset

Not actually a file format—this option doesn't produce a downloadable file. After you enter a **File name**, it saves the View's current data once as a Dataset in your workspace's Data Library. Unlike **Export → Send to Dataset**, it creates no pipeline task, so the Dataset isn't refreshed on later runs.

**Use this when:**

- You want to save the View's current output as a new Dataset to keep working on, without downloading a file or setting up a recurring pipeline export

For a Dataset that updates after every pipeline run, see [Send to Dataset](https://docs.mammoth.io/learn/export-share/send-to-destinations#send-to-dataset).

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## What every download contains

Hidden columns are excluded, and the View's column order, renames, sort order and formats are applied. If the grid is filtered, only the filtered rows download unless you tick **Save all**. Mammoth names the file automatically; there's no file-name field for CSV or XLSX.

## Format comparison

|  | CSV | XLSX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Row limit | None | 50,000 (export fails above this) |
| Data types preserved | No | Yes |
| Opens in Excel | Yes | Yes (native) |
| Best for | Systems, scripts, large data | Stakeholder reports |

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