What type of metadata file does Google provide for Gmail?

Google provides Gmail metadata in a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format, which is a widely used file format for storing tabular data. This format allows for easy import and export of data between various applications, particularly spreadsheets and databases. CSV files present data in a simple structure, where each line corresponds to a row, and each value within that line is separated by a comma.

This format is particularly beneficial for users who want to analyze or manipulate their email data using spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, as it can be readily opened and edited in these applications.

While other formats like XML and TXT can store data, they do not provide the same ease of use for tabular data comparison or analysis as CSV. Excel files, while capable of storing structured data, are not the format provided directly by Google for Gmail metadata extraction.