Looking for a solution to merge two CSV files with same columns without any duplicate records? One can use the built-in option offered by MS Excel, try Power Query, use Command Prompt or use advanced software developed by SysTools.
What You’ll Learn Hide
  1. Why Merge Multiple CSV Files with Same Columns?
  2. Things to Check Before Consolidating Two CSV Files
  3. Professional Method to Merge Two CSV Files with Same Columns
  4. Working Guide of this Dedicated Software
  5. Why Choose Professional Tool Over Manual?
  6. Manual Approach to Consolidate Two CSV Files into One
  7. Advanced Tips to Join Two CSV Files into One
  8. Conclusion
We all know that CSV files are popularly used to save large datasets in a structured format. However, if you are managing sales reports, customer databases, or any other inventory exports in different CSVs, it might require joining two CSV files based on their same columns and headers into a single file. This helps users to see all CSV data in one file, which can save time and also ensure data efficiency.

Also Read: How to Remove Header in CSV File? – Quick Steps

This blog covers the top 4 easy and simple methods that help users consolidate multiple CSV files with similar columns. Let’s begin with this article.

Why Merge Two CSV Files with Same Columns?

Many large organizations and other businesses search for ways to consolidate two CSV files based on similar columns. Look below for several reasons.
  1. It helps to join CSV data from different departments within the same venture to keep all records in one place.
  2. Making a single customer database from various lists and exports.
  3. Also, to avoid duplicate column entries before uploading CSV into another platform.
  4. This simplifies the data sharing process with different teams who require the entire data file instead of multiple ones.
  5. Allows users to effectively analyze one single file for a business dashboard and an API integration tool.
These common reasons help users to identify their actual problem and choose the right approach to get effective output.
Read: How to Compare Two CSV Files for Differences

Things to Check Before Consolidating Two CSV Files

Before joining multiple CSV files, make sure that you have verified the following:
  • Check CSV Column Structure
Verify that both of your CSV files contain the same column names, an identical order of columns, and exact matching data. As these different column orders might lead to data loss after the merging process.
  • Keep Data File Backup
Always store an extra copy of your original CSV data files before making any changes in them.
  • Look for Empty Rows
If there are any blank rows, then they can restrict the detection and sorting process. So make sure to remove them before starting to merge two CSV files with same columns.

Professional Method to Merge Two CSV Files with Same Columns

If someone wants an instant and reliable result while preserving structured data in their CSV file, then we recommend using SysTools CSV Merge Tool. This advanced desktop-based utility allows users to join several CSV files based on rows or columns accurately. This software provides a free trial version for all users.
  Additionally, it offers an easy and simple interface to use for both beginners and experts. One can also enjoy its benefits by downloading it on their system. This dedicated software permits users to consolidate multiple CSV files into a single file without opening them. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows OS. Let’s quickly see how this tool works.
Tip: It is two-in-one software that also allows users to split CSV file into multiple files without opening it.

Working Guide of this Dedicated Software

  1. Download the aforementioned tool on the respective system and tap on Merge CSV.

    2. merge CSV

  2. Choose Add File and Folder option to import both CSV files.

    3. add CSV

  3. Now, click Next button to preview added CSV files.

    4. next

  4. Select Primary Main File and browse the location path to store the final merged files.

    5. path

  5. Lastly, press OK button to merge two CSV files with same columns.

    6. ok

Why Choose Professional Tool Over Manual?

Features Manual Methods SysTools’ Software
Easy to Use No ❌ Yes ✔
Support Large CSV Files Limited Easily
Maintains Data Integrity No ❌ Yes ✔
Speed Slow Fast
Merge Batch CSVs No ❌ Yes ✔
Secure and Accurate No ❌ Yes ✔

Manual Approach to Consolidate Two CSV Files into One

In this next section, we have explained some proven manual solutions that allow users to join multiple CSV files based on similar columns completely free. Here are some of them listed below:
  • Using MS Excel
  • Try Power Query
  • Use Command Prompt
Let’s understand them along with brief explanation.

1st Approach: Using MS Excel

Steps:
  1. Open your first CSV file in Excel.
  2. Then, open the second CSV in another sheet.
  3. Copy data from the second CSV file using CTRL+C and paste it using CTRL+V below the last row of the first CSV file.
  4. Choose the entire dataset and navigate to Data and Remove Duplicates.
  5. Select columns to start the process of merging two CSV files.
  6. Tap Ok button and save it with .csv extension.
Pros:
  • No installation required for any third party software.
  • Easy to operate for beginners.
Cons:
  • This method is not for joining large CSV datasets.
  • Very time taking as it requires human effort, which can also lead to data loss.

2nd Approach: Try Power Query to Merge Two Files with Same Columns

Steps:
  1. Launch Excel on your system and navigate to Data.
  2. Go to Get Data, then tap From File, and lastly click on From Folder.
  3. Choose the folder that has your CSV files.
  4. Press Combine and Transform option.
  5. Now, attach both CSVs and remove duplicate rows from CSV.
  6. Lastly, load your final output and save it as CSV file.
Pros:
  • Supports batch CSV files.
  • Faster than the manual copy and paste method.
Cons:
  • Works only on a new version of Excel.
  • Only for IT admins or professionals as it requires technical knowledge.

3rd Approach: Use Command Prompt

Steps:
  1. Upload both CSV files within the same folder.
  2. Now, open Command Prompt (CMD).
  3. Go to its folder location path.
  4. Copy command given below and run it in CMD.
    5. copy file1.csv + file2.csv merged.csv
  5. At last, open merged CSV data file.
Pros:
  • Built-in option in the Windows operating system.
  • Instant and simple process to join two CSV files.
Cons:
  • This technique is only for Windows users.
  • High chances of duplicates remain in resultant file.

Advanced Tips to Merge Two CSV Files with Same Columns

After merging, one should follow these best practices to get better output:
  1. Check all column names before consolidating CSVs.
  2. Always keep a backup of your data file to avoid the risk of losing data.
  3. Remove blank rows from both CSV files.
  4. Verify your final merged CSV output.
  5. Use trusted and secure software for joining multiple CSV files.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discovered how to merge two CSV files with same columns while preserving data formatting. One can use both manual and professional methods. But these manual solutions contain some limitations.

Also Read: How to Merge Two SQL Databases? A Complete Guide

In such cases, if you are dealing with a large dataset, then it requires an accurate and reliable solution to join two CSV files into one as explained above. If you need any other technical help, then visit our support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I merge two CSV files with same columns?

SysTools CSV Merge Tool joins CSV files by rows or columns. Users add both files, select the primary file, browse a save location and press OK. Manual options include MS Excel, Power Query and Command Prompt.

What should I check before merging CSV files?

Both files need the same column names in an identical order. Save an extra copy of the original files and remove blank rows before the merge starts.

How do I merge CSV files with Command Prompt?

Place both CSV files in one folder and open Command Prompt. Go to that folder path and use the command copy file1.csv + file2.csv merged.csv. The method works on Windows only and duplicates can remain in the final file.

Can SysTools CSV Merge Tool also split CSV files?

Yes, SysTools CSV Merge Tool splits a CSV file into multiple files without opening it. The software works on both Mac and Windows and offers a free trial version.