Excel to CSV Converter – Free XLSX to CSV Online Tool

Instantly Convert Excel to CSV (XLSX to CSV) Online

Need to export data from an Excel spreadsheet for a database, script, or another application? Our free XLSX to CSV online converter is the perfect tool for the job. Instantly strip away complex formatting and transform your Excel data into a simple, lightweight, and universally compatible CSV file, ready for import anywhere.

Excel to CSV (XLSX to CSV) Converter Tool Excel to CSV Converter From Rich Data to Raw Text ID Name Excel (XLSX) id,name,value 1,ItemA,100 CSV File

Excel to CSV Converter

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How to Convert XLSX to CSV Online

Our tool simplifies the conversion into three easy steps:

  1. Upload Your Excel File: Click the "Click to Upload Excel File" button and select the .xlsx or .xls file from your device.
  2. Start Conversion: The "Convert & Download CSV" button will become active. Click it to start the process.
  3. Download CSV: The tool will instantly convert the file, and your browser will automatically download the new .csv file.

Why Convert Excel to CSV?

Excel (XLSX) is a powerful tool for data analysis and reporting, but its proprietary format isn't always the best for data exchange. CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a universal plain text format. Converting from XLSX to CSV online is essential for many tasks:

  • System Compatibility: Many databases, CRMs, and other software applications require data to be imported in CSV format. Converting is the first step in any data migration or import process.
  • Data Purity: A CSV file contains only the raw data values. This strips out all formatting, formulas, charts, and macros, which can interfere with data processing systems.
  • Lightweight and Fast: CSV files are simple text files, making them significantly smaller and faster to process than complex XLSX files. This is crucial when dealing with large datasets.
  • Scripting and Automation: It is far easier for developers to write scripts (in Python, R, Bash, etc.) to read and parse a simple CSV file than a binary Excel file.

Understanding the Difference: XLSX vs. CSV

Excel (XLSX) Files

An XLSX file is a sophisticated container. It can store data across multiple worksheets and supports rich features like:

  • Formulas and functions that perform calculations.
  • Cell formatting (colors, fonts, borders).
  • Charts, graphs, and images.
  • Data types that distinguish between numbers, text, and dates.

This richness makes Excel great for human interaction and analysis but complex for machine-to-machine data transfer.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) Files

A CSV file is the epitome of simplicity. It is a plain text file where:

  • Each line represents a row of data.
  • Values in a row are separated by a delimiter, usually a comma.
  • It contains no formatting, no formulas, and no multiple sheets. It is just the data.

This simplicity is its greatest strength, making it the universal language for tabular data exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this online converter secure to use with my data?

Answer: Yes, it is 100% secure. This tool uses JavaScript to perform the entire conversion from XLSX to CSV directly in your web browser. Your Excel file is never uploaded to or stored on our servers. Your data remains private on your computer.

Q2: What happens to my formulas, charts, and cell colors?

Answer: They are removed. The purpose of converting to CSV is to extract only the raw data values. If a cell contains a formula like =A1+B1, the CSV will contain only the calculated result of that formula (e.g., `150`), not the formula itself. All visual formatting is discarded.

Q3: My Excel file has multiple sheets. Which one gets converted?

Answer: This free online tool is designed for speed and simplicity, so it will convert only the very first worksheet in your Excel workbook. If you need to convert data from a different sheet, you must move it to the first position in your Excel file before uploading.

Q4: Can I convert old Excel files (.xls format)?

Answer: Yes. The underlying library supports both the modern .xlsx format and the older binary .xls format (from Excel 97-2003). You can upload either type of file.

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