How to Convert XLSX to CSV

The complete guide to converting Excel spreadsheets to CSV format for universal data compatibility and easy importing

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Quick Overview

30 Seconds
Average Conversion Time
Data Only
Pure Text Export
Universal
All Systems
Lightweight
Smaller Files

Why Convert XLSX to CSV?

Converting Excel XLSX files to CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format creates a simple, universal text file that can be opened by any spreadsheet application, database, or programming language. CSV files are lightweight, portable, and perfect for data exchange between different systems.

Universal Compatibility

CSV files can be opened by any application that reads text. Unlike XLSX which requires Excel or compatible software, CSV works with spreadsheet apps, databases, text editors, and programming languages. It's the most portable data format.

  • Works with Google Sheets, Numbers, LibreOffice
  • Import into databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, etc.)
  • Process with Python, R, and other languages
  • Open in any text editor

Data Import/Export

CSV is the standard format for importing and exporting data between different systems. Most databases, CRM systems, and business applications accept CSV files for bulk data uploads and migrations.

  • Import contacts into CRM systems
  • Upload products to e-commerce platforms
  • Migrate data between applications
  • Bulk import into databases

Lightweight Files

CSV files are significantly smaller than XLSX files because they contain only raw data without formatting, formulas, or embedded objects. This makes them ideal for sharing large datasets via email or uploading to web services.

  • 80-90% smaller file size than XLSX
  • Faster upload and download times
  • Easier to email and share
  • Reduced storage requirements

Programming Integration

CSV files are easily processed by programming languages and data analysis tools. Every major programming language has built-in CSV support, making it the preferred format for data science, automation, and scripting.

  • Easy to parse with Python, JavaScript, R
  • Standard format for data analysis
  • Simple structure for automation scripts
  • Compatible with data visualization tools

Step-by-Step Conversion Guide

Follow these simple steps to convert your Excel XLSX files to CSV format:

Step 1: Upload Your XLSX File

Start by uploading your Excel spreadsheet to BatchMorph. You can click the upload area to browse your files or drag and drop XLSX files directly onto the page.

Upload Methods:

  • Click to Browse: Select XLSX files from your computer
  • Drag and Drop: Drag spreadsheets from your desktop
  • Batch Upload: Convert multiple Excel files at once
Pro Tip: If your Excel file has multiple sheets, BatchMorph will convert the active sheet by default. You can specify which sheet to convert if needed.

Step 2: Select CSV as Output Format

Once uploaded, choose CSV as your desired output format. BatchMorph will extract the data from your spreadsheet and create a clean CSV file with proper formatting.

CSV Options:

  • Delimiter: Choose comma, semicolon, or tab separation
  • Encoding: UTF-8 (recommended) or other encodings
  • Headers: Include or exclude column headers

Step 3: Convert and Download

Click the "Convert" button to process your spreadsheet. BatchMorph will extract the data and create a CSV file that you can download immediately.

After Conversion:

  • Instant Download: CSV file ready immediately
  • Preview Available: Check data structure before downloading
  • Size Reduction: See how much smaller your CSV is

Best Practices for XLSX to CSV Conversion

Follow these best practices to ensure optimal results when converting Excel to CSV:

Before Converting

  • Remove formulas and keep only values
  • Clean up data formatting inconsistencies
  • Check for special characters that may cause issues
  • Verify column headers are clear and descriptive
  • Remove empty rows and columns
  • Ensure dates are in consistent format

What CSV Cannot Preserve

  • Cell formatting (colors, fonts, borders)
  • Formulas (only calculated values are kept)
  • Multiple sheets (only one sheet per CSV)
  • Images, charts, and embedded objects
  • Cell merging and column widths
  • Macros and VBA scripts

Technical Details

What Gets Preserved

  • All cell values and text content
  • Calculated formula results (not formulas)
  • Column headers and row data
  • Numbers and dates (as text values)
  • Basic text formatting in cell content
  • Data structure and relationships

What Is Lost

  • Visual formatting (colors, fonts, styles)
  • Formulas and calculations
  • Multiple worksheets (one sheet per file)
  • Charts, graphs, and visualizations
  • Images and embedded objects
  • Cell comments and notes
  • Conditional formatting and validation rules

Common Use Cases

Database Import

Import Excel data into MySQL, PostgreSQL, or other databases for web applications and data analysis.

Data Analysis

Export data for analysis in Python, R, or data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI.

E-commerce Upload

Bulk upload product data to Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or other e-commerce platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Formulas are not preserved in CSV format. Instead, the calculated values from those formulas are saved. CSV is a plain text format and cannot store formulas. If you need to preserve formulas, keep your original XLSX file.

CSV files can only contain one sheet. When converting an Excel file with multiple sheets, you'll need to convert each sheet separately. BatchMorph converts the active sheet by default, but you can specify which sheet to convert.

BatchMorph properly handles special characters, commas, and line breaks in your data by using proper CSV escaping (quotes around fields). We use UTF-8 encoding by default to support international characters.

Yes, you can convert CSV back to XLSX, but you'll only recover the raw data. Formatting, formulas, charts, and other Excel features won't be restored. Always keep a backup of your original XLSX file if you need these features.

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Start converting your XLSX spreadsheets to CSV format in seconds with BatchMorph's efficient converter.

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