5 Ways Xlsx To Csv

Converting XLSX files to CSV is a common task for data analysts and scientists, as it allows for easier data manipulation and analysis in various tools and programming languages. XLSX, a file format used by Microsoft Excel, is a zipped collection of XML files, making it less straightforward to work with than plain text formats like CSV. Here, we'll explore five ways to convert XLSX to CSV, each with its own advantages and use cases.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Excel

One of the most straightforward methods to convert XLSX to CSV is by using Microsoft Excel itself. This method is particularly useful if you already have Excel installed and are familiar with its interface. To convert an XLSX file to CSV using Excel, follow these steps:

• Open your XLSX file in Microsoft Excel.
• Click on the “File” menu and select “Save As”.
• In the “Save as type” dropdown, select “CSV (Comma delimited)”.
• Choose a location to save your file and give it a name.
• Click “Save” to convert your file.

This method preserves most of the data but might not work perfectly for very complex spreadsheets, especially those with multiple sheets or extensive formatting.

Considerations for Using Excel

While using Excel is convenient for many users, it’s essential to consider the limitations. Excel might not handle large files efficiently, and the conversion process can sometimes lead to data formatting issues, particularly with date fields or special characters. However, for simple conversions, Excel is a quick and accessible solution.

Method 2: Using LibreOffice Calc

For those without access to Microsoft Excel or preferring free and open-source software, LibreOffice Calc offers a similar functionality. LibreOffice is a comprehensive office suite that can handle a wide range of file formats, including XLSX and CSV. The steps to convert XLSX to CSV in LibreOffice Calc are similar to those in Excel:

• Open your XLSX file in LibreOffice Calc.
• Go to “File” > “Save As” and select “Text CSV” in the file type dropdown.
• Choose where to save your file and give it a name.
• Click “Save” to complete the conversion.

LibreOffice Calc is particularly useful for those looking for a free alternative to Excel that still supports a wide range of file formats.

Advantages of LibreOffice Calc

One of the significant advantages of using LibreOffice Calc for file conversion is its ability to handle files that Excel might struggle with, including larger files or those with complex formatting. Additionally, being free and open-source, it’s accessible to everyone, making it a valuable tool for personal and professional use.

Method 3: Using Python

For more automated or large-scale conversions, programming languages like Python offer powerful and flexible solutions. Python’s pandas library is particularly well-suited for data manipulation and file conversion tasks. Here’s a simple example of how to convert XLSX to CSV using Python:

import pandas as pd



df = pd.read_excel(‘input.xlsx’)



df.to_csv(‘output.csv’, index=False)

This method is highly customizable and can handle complex conversions, including selecting specific sheets from the XLSX file or specifying delimiter characters for the CSV output.

Customizing the Python Conversion

One of the strengths of using Python for file conversion is the ease of customization. For instance, you can specify which sheet to convert if your XLSX file has multiple sheets by using the sheet_name parameter of pd.read_excel(). Additionally, df.to_csv() allows you to customize the output, such as changing the delimiter or quote character, making it adaptable to various CSV formats required by different applications.

Method 4: Using Online Conversion Tools

For one-off conversions or when you don’t have the software installed, online conversion tools can be a convenient option. Websites like Convertio, SmallPDF, or Online-Convert offer free XLSX to CSV conversion services. These tools usually work by:

• Uploading your XLSX file to the website.
• Selecting the conversion options, if any.
• Downloading the converted CSV file.

While convenient, be cautious with sensitive data, as you’re uploading it to a third-party service. Also, the quality of the conversion can vary, and these services might not handle complex files as well as dedicated software.

Security Considerations for Online Tools

When using online conversion tools, especially with sensitive or confidential data, it’s crucial to consider the security implications. Look for services that explicitly state their data handling and privacy policies, and ideally, choose tools that allow conversions without uploading your files, if possible.

Method 5: Using Command Line Tools

For users comfortable with the command line, tools like xlsx2csv (available on many Linux distributions and macOS via Homebrew) offer a quick and efficient way to convert files. The basic usage is:

xlsx2csv input.xlsx output.csv

This method is particularly useful for automating conversions as part of a larger workflow or script, and it can handle conversions with specific options for delimiter, quote character, and more.

Automating Conversions with Command Line Tools

One of the significant advantages of command line tools like xlsx2csv is their ability to be easily scripted. This means you can automate the conversion of multiple files or integrate the conversion into a larger data processing pipeline, making it a powerful option for those working with large datasets or requiring automated workflows.