How to Convert XML to CSV File? 5 Easy Methods

Do you also have nested and large XML files, and you are confused about how to convert them into CSV format? If it sounds right and accurate, then you have opened the right blog. Users can easily convert XML to CSV format using Notepad++, Python Script, Microsoft Excel, and an alternate automatic solution. We have explained all the possible methods and information to transform XML to CSV format.

XML stands for (Extensible Markup Language) and CSV for (Comma-Separated Values). XML is mainly used to store and transfer data in tags, alts, attributes, etc. And mostly developers use this format to share information, etc.

On the other hand, CSV is a file format that maintains data in cells and columns, which makes the data analysis and organization better than the XML format. Also, the XML file is complex to understand, which compels users to convert XML to CSV format.

We have tried to provide complete information and by step-by-step guide in the upcoming sections. Read the complete article first, and then choose the right technique for you to convert XML to XLSX / CSV format.

#1: Using MS Excel

MS Excel offers a direct option to import XML file data and shows it in table format.

1. Open your Excel application.
2. Select the “Open” button from the “File” tab.
3. Locate your XML file and upload it.
4. A message will appear, and choose the “As an XML Table” option.
5. Finally, your XML data will show in table format.
6. Select “Save As” from the “File” tab.
7. Choose the “CSV” from the Saving Type list.
8. Select any path and hit the “Save” button.

#2: Convert XML to CSV using Notepad+++

In case Excel is not installed, then go for Notepad+++. It’s a free application that supports XML format. Follow the given steps:

1. Access your XML file data through the “Text Editor” application.
2. Copy the complete content using the “CTRL + C” keys.
3. Launch your Notepad+++ and paste here copied content here.
4. Select the Language and then “XML” to apply formatting.
5. Now select the “File” tab and choose the “Save As” button.
6. Choose “CSV” as the saving type.
7. Finally, all your XML data is saved in CSV format.

#3: Transform XML to CSV Format Using Python (For Technical Users)

Python is as popular as ever in data science, which is why this task is made relatively easy from a programmer’s perspective. It has libraries like Pandas and XML.etree that are used especially to manipulate the data. Libraries like XML.etree take care of XML parsing and CSV formatting details. To understand how it works with XML.etree. Only for the ElementTree module, follow these steps —

Step 1. First, all you have to do is open up Python and paste the following code into it.

# Importing the required libraries

import XML.etree.ElementTree as Xet

import pandas as pd

cols = [“name”, “phone”, “email”, “date”, “country”]

rows = []

# Parsing the XML file

XMLparse = Xet.parse(‘sample.XML’)

root = XMLparse.getroot()

for i in root:

name = i.find(“name”).text if i.find(“name”) is not None else None

phone = i.find(“phone”).text if i.find(“phone”) is not None else None

email = i.find(“email”).text if i.find(“email”) is not None else None

date = i.find(“date”).text if i.find(“date”) is not None else None

country = i.find(“country”).text if i.find(“country”) is not None else None

rows.append({“name”: name,

“phone”: phone,

“email”: email,

“date”: date,

“country”: country})

df = pd.DataFrame(rows, columns=cols)

# Writing dataframe to CSV

df.to_CSV(‘output.CSV’, index=False)

Step 2. After pasting the code, select the “Run” option from the top bar. In this way, you will save the CSV file in the same folder as this script.

#4: Using Online XML to CSV Converters

You will get multiple online converters to convert XML to CSV format. But choosing them at your own risk. Because most of them are not authorized or trustworthy for our data. If you still want to use them, then you can follow the mentioned steps:

1. Open any online converter.
2. Upload your XML files.
3. Choose “CSV” as a saving option.
4. Select the path as per your choice.
5. And hit on the “Convert” icon to convert XML to CSV format.

Drawbacks of All Manual Methods

• First and second manual methods are not capable of converting multiple XML files in bulk at the same time.
• The third manual method requires Python and technical knowledge to run the provided code.
• Online tools are not safe and authorized for your data to convert XML to CSV format.

How to Convert XML to CSV Using an Automated Tool?

Here are the simple steps to transform XML files to CSV format:

1. Install and open the XML to CSV converter software on your computer.
2. Import your XML files to the program by clicking on the “Add Files” or “Add Folder” button.
3. Select “CSV” from the “Export Options” list as the export format.
4. Next, hit the “Change” button to select the output directory for the converted CSV files.
5. Finally, hit the “Export” button to proceed with the conversion process.

Final Words

In this write-up, we have gone through many ways to convert XML to CSV files that suit your needs and expertise levels. From advanced simplicity to online tools, text editors, Excel, or even custom scripts. Now, you have many choices to make the data conversion task easier. In case you have multiple XML files and don’t want to lose data with manual methods, then go for the automatic offline XML to CSV converter by SysTools. For any help, you can contact us anytime through live chat support.