> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://doc.extole.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# CSV Encoding

> When downloading data in CSV format, there are some values that need to be quoted. Extole uses the following algorithm for determining which values to quote:

When downloading data in CSV format, there are some values that need to be quoted. Extole uses the following algorithm for determining which values to quote:

1. If the value contains a comma or any ASCII character lower than a comma - this includes a space and `,!"#$%&'()*+`
2. If the value is longer than 24 characters

Here are some examples:

| **Value in CSV File**                                                                                     | **Reason for Quoting** |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- |
| [test@example.com](mailto:test@example.com)[](mailto:test@example.com)                                    | None                   |
| "[johnrichardsdoe@example.com](mailto:johnrichardsdoe@example.com)[](mailto:johnrichardsdoe@example.com)" | Over 24 characters     |
| "coupon1,coupon2"                                                                                         | Comma in value         |
| "United States"                                                                                           | Space in value         |
| refer-a-friend                                                                                            | None                   |
| "[test+1@example.com](mailto:test+1@example.com)[](mailto:test+1@example.com)"                            | Plus in value          |

For more information on SFTP and file transfers, see: [https://docs.extole.com/docs/sftp-and-batch-file-conventions](/guides/dashboards-and-reporting/integrating-reports/sftp-and-batch-file-conventions).