How to Convert XML File to CSV Files in Seconds?

Users convert XML to CSV format when they want to map their XML attributes and data into rows and columns of CSV for analysis or managing data, however, it is not an easy task. In this article, we have explained the easiest ways to convert XML file to CSV format using Notepad++, Python Script, Microsoft Excel and automatic solution to map data easily and smoothly.

XML format stands for Extensible Markup Language and CSV for (Comma-Separated Values). XML format is mainly used to store and transfer data in tags, elements, attributes, etc. Developers use it to share information in a structured way.

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

Here we have explained step by step guide to translate XML to CSV without messing up data into rows and columns.

How to Translate XML to CSV Format?

MS Excel provides built-in function to import XML file data, and we can also use Notepad++, and Python. However, these techniques are only suitable for simple XML structure and small data files. In case your file contains nested tags, attributes and is large in size then use only automated solution.

Method 1: Convert XML File to CSV Using MS Excel

As we mentioned, MS Excel has built-in option to add XML file data. Follow the mentioned steps:

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 “CSV” from the “Saving Type” list.
8. Select any path and hit the “Save” button.

Method 2: 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 to convert XML file to CSV:

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.

Method 3: Translate XML to CSV Format Using Python (For Technical Users)

Python is a popular language and 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: Open Python and paste the following code:

# 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: Use Run option after pasting the code. In this way, you will save the CSV file in the same folder as this script.

How to Convert XML File to CSV Format with Preserved Structure?

1. Install and open the XML to CSV converter software on your computer.

   

2. Import your XML files by clicking on the “Add Files” or “Add Folder” button.

   

3. Select “CSV” from the “Export Options” list as the export format.

   

4. Use “Change” button to select output location.

   

5. Finally, hit the “Export” button to convert XML file to CSV format.

   

FAQs

Ques 1: How does XML to CSV conversion handle missing XML elements or empty values?

Ans: Missing tags generally show as blank CSV fields. Suggested software can maintain column consistency by fixing the missing tag.

Ques 2: How can I preserve UTF-8 encoding and special characters when converting XML to CSV?

Ans: This software supports Unicode encoding formats such as UTF-8. It ensures that special characters remain same in output CSV file.

Ques 3: Why does my converted CSV file have incorrect columns compared to the original XML manually?

Ans: Manual techniques are suitable for simple-structure XML files, because they can’t handle nested tags and attributes. As result converted file has incorrect columns compared to original file.

Ques 4: Can the tool convert XML files containing thousands of records?

Ans: Yes, this software is designed to convert XML files containing thousands or millions of XML records with maintained data accuracy.

Final Words

In this write-up, we have described easy ways to convert XML file to CSV file using Notepad++, MS Excel, Python, and an automated solution. Users can use manual method for simple structured XML file. But if you have nested structure and larger in size XML files then you should use smart tool. For any help, you can contact us anytime through live chat support.