Extract Head of CSV Files Online
Extract the first N rows from CSV files directly in your browser. Choose how many rows to keep and download the result — no upload required.
About this tool
Extract the first N rows from a CSV file and download them as a new file. Fast even on large files — the tool stops reading as soon as it has enough rows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between head and sample for CSV files?
Head always returns the first N rows in their original order. Sample can return a random subset. Use head when you need the earliest records in time-ordered data or a deterministic slice.
Is extracting the head of a large CSV file fast?
Very fast. The tool reads only the first N rows and stops — it does not need to scan the entire file.
Can I choose which columns to include when extracting the head of a CSV file?
The output includes all columns from the original. Run the result through the Columns tool if you need to drop unwanted columns.
Is my data private?
Yes — completely. Your file is never uploaded to any server. Everything runs locally in your browser using WebAssembly — processing happens entirely inside your tab. Once you close the tab, nothing is retained.
What is the maximum file size?
The free limit is 50 MB. For larger files, performance depends on your device's available memory — most modern machines handle 500 MB to 1 GB comfortably.
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