Do you often encounter such troubles: colleagues send a bunch of Excel files, and the system only recognizes CSV format; Want to import sales data into the database, but stuck in the format conversion step; Or just want to simply share the form data, the other party didn't install Office can't open it? Every time to open the form, click Save As, the file name has to be changed one by one, trouble not to say it is easy to make mistakes. Don't worry, today I'll introduce you to some conversion artifacts, so that you can completely bid farewell to this repetitive mechanical labor and experience the fast feeling of converting Excel into CSV format in batches.
Why do I need to convert Excel to CSV format?
1. Program development and data analysis: using Python and R for data analysis, or to import data into MySQL and SQLite databases, almost all require CSV format.
2. Cross-system data exchange: CSV is recognized as a "common language" when the company transfers data between old and new systems and different software, which can avoid compatibility problems to the greatest extent.
3. Mail Sending and Archiving: Excel files are often several megabytes, but after being converted into CSV, they may only be tens of K, which is fast to send and saves a lot of space for archiving.
4. Simplify the data view: Sometimes we only need the numbers and text in the table, and we don't need complicated formulas and formats. Converting to CSV can make the data more "clean".
Excel to CSV effect preview:
Before treatment:
After treatment:
Method 1: Use HeSoft Doc Batch Tool to convert Excel to CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Advantages:
1. True lossless batch conversion. Say goodbye to repeated operations on a single file. No matter a dozen or thousands of files, drag into or select folders at one time, and the efficiency will be improved hundreds of times.
2. Accurate format maintenance. The conversion engine is deeply optimized to ensure accurate data migration. Special characters and Chinese content are well preserved to achieve "perfect" conversion of data.
3. Local offline processing. All operations are done locally on the computer, and the data never touches the network. Isolate the risk of data leakage and provide protection for data information.
4. Minimal three-step operation. The process is clear and intuitive, with no complex options, and any user can get started immediately.
Disadvantages:
γ HeSoft Doc Batch Tool ] needs to be local to the computer.
Operation steps:
1. Open γ HeSoft Doc Batch Tool ], select [Excel tool] on the left, and then select [Excel to Csv] on the right].
2. Click [Add File] in the upper right corner, or drag the file to be converted to the specified location with one click to complete the file import.
3. Click [Next], the tool will start to convert Excel into CSV in batches, and will give a prompt after completion.
Method 2: Use Excel's own "Save As" function to convert xlsx to CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Advantages: the most orthodox and direct method, completely free, without any additional software. The converted file compatibility is guaranteed and is the first choice for handling individual files.
Disadvantages: The biggest flaw is that it cannot be processed in batches. Each file has to repeat the "open-save as-close" cycle, which is extremely inefficient. And for files containing multiple sheets, only the current active sheet can be saved.
Operation steps:
1. Use Microsoft Excel to open the. xlsx or. xls file you need to convert.
2. Click the "File" menu in the upper left corner, and then select the "Save As" option in the drop-down list.
3. In the pop-up save dialog box, click the drop-down menu next to "Save Type.
4. Find and select the "CSV (comma separated) (*.csv)" or "CSV UTF-8" format in the long list.
5. Select a save location for the file, modify the file name, and then click the "Save" button.
6. The system may pop up a prompt to tell you that some functions may be lost. Click "Yes" to confirm.
Method 3: Use the online conversion site to convert Excel to CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Advantages: No need to install software, open the browser can be used, especially suitable for temporary processing of one or two files on someone else's computer. Usually support a variety of format conversion, more convenient.
Disadvantages: privacy security is the biggest hidden danger. You need to upload Excel files that may contain trade secrets or sensitive personal information to an unfamiliar server. Users usually have file size, number of restrictions, and conversion speed depends on the speed of the network.
Operation steps:
1. Search for "Excel to CSV Online" in the browser and open a website such as Zamzar.
2. Click the "Select File" or "Add File" button to select the Excel file to be converted from your computer.
3. In the option of "Convert to" or output format, select "CSV" format.
4. Some websites will ask you to enter your email address to receive the download link after the conversion.
5. Click the "Convert" or "Start" button and wait for the file to be uploaded and processed.
6. After the processing is completed, click the download link to save the CSV file locally.
Method 4: Use WPS Office to convert Excel to CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Pros: WPS is fully compatible with the Microsoft Office format, and its "Save As" function is almost the same as MS Office.
Disadvantages: Like Microsoft Excel, it can only operate on a single file and cannot be converted in batches. There are many advertisements in the software interface, and the conversion effect is occasionally slightly different when dealing with complex formats of Excel.
Operation steps:
1. Use WPS form to open your Excel file.
2. Click the "WPS Form" menu in the upper left corner and select "File"-> "Save".
3. In Save as type, find and select CSV (Comma Separated) (*.csv) format.
4. Select the save path and click "Save".
5. You will also receive a prompt about the possible loss of format, and you can confirm it.
Method 5: Use Google Sheets to convert xlsx to CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Pros: Perfect cross-platform solution, as long as there is a network and browser can be used. Collaborative editing is powerful and can be easily downloaded as CSV after importing Excel.
Disadvantages: Must be connected to the Internet and need a Google account. There are privacy concerns about uploading files to Google Cloud. For large files, the wait time for uploading and processing is longer.
Operation steps:
1. Log in to your Google Drive.
2. click "new"-> "file upload" to upload your local Excel file to the internet disk.
3. After uploading, right-click the file and select "Open with Google Sheets".
4. After opening the file in Google Sheets, click "File"-> "Download"-> "Comma Separated Values (.csv)".
5. The browser will automatically start downloading the CSV file to your default download folder.
Method 6: Use open source office suite LibreOffice to convert Excel to CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Pros: A completely free, powerful open source office software that can replace Microsoft Office. Its Calc component can open Excel files and save them as CSV, and supports command-line batch operations.
Disadvantages: The software is large in size, and the interface and operating logic are different from MS Office and need to be adapted. Although the command line batch is supported, the command parameters are complex and difficult for ordinary users to master.
Operation steps:
Install and start the LibreOffice and open its Calc component (equivalent to Excel).
2. Click "File"-> "Open" to import your Excel file.
3. Click "File"-> "Save As" again ".
4. In File Type, select Text CSV (.csv) ".
5. Click Save, and a dialog box will pop up for you to select the field separator (comma) and character set (UTF-8).
6. Save after confirmation.
Method 7: Use professional format factory Format Factory software to convert Excel into CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Advantages: a well-known "universal" format conversion tool, support video, audio, pictures, documents and other formats. For users who know this software, they may try to use it to convert documents.
Disadvantages: The main business is not document processing. Support for requirements such as Excel to CSV is an "incidental function". The stability and accuracy of conversion are not guaranteed, and complex forms are prone to errors.
Operation steps:
1. Open the format factory software and find the "Document"-> "Go to CSV" category in the function list on the left.
2. After clicking, click "Add File" in the pop-up window ".
3. Select your Excel file and add it to the list.
4. Click "OK" in the upper right corner to return to the main interface.
5. Select the task in the task list of the main interface and click the "Start" button.
6. After the conversion is completed, view the file in the output folder.
Method 8: Use Apple Numbers (macOS users) to turn Excel into CSV
Recommended Index:β β β β β
Advantages: Apple computer users do not need additional installation, use the system's own Numbers to open Excel files, and export to CSV format, the experience is smooth.
Cons: macOS ecosystem only. The exported CSV file may differ slightly from the standard commonly used in Windows environments in terms of delimiters, encoding, and other details.
Operation steps:
1. On Mac, open your Excel file with Numbers.
2. Click "File"-> "Export to"-> "CSV..." in the menu bar... ".
3. In the pop-up option box, you can adjust the text encoding and separator type.
4. Click "Next" and select the save location and file name.
5. Click "Export" to complete.
After all, how to convert Excel to CSV format should not be a technical problem that requires effort to search, learn and take risks. Whether you're a programmer who needs to convert xlsx to CSV to import into a database, a finance person who needs to process reports in batches, or an office family who just wants to share data efficiently." HeSoft Doc Batch Tool "The [Excel to CSV] function is a solution tailored for you. Stop wasting precious time and energy on simple format conversions and choose the right tool to return your work to efficiency and focus.