How To Convert An Excel File To CSV In Excel

Convert Excel File to CSV

Using Excel Application

To convert an Excel file to a CSV format using the Excel application, begin by opening the workbook. Click on File > Save As and navigate to your desired save location. Click the arrow in the Save as type box, then select the CSV format you require, bearing in mind that this process only converts the active worksheet and all formatting will be lost.

Excel VBA Conversion

Excel's VBA code offers an advanced method to batch convert all worksheets in a workbook to individual CSV files, affording greater efficiency for users with multi-sheet workbooks.

Alternative Software

Applications such as OpenOffice and Google Spreadsheets provide additional routes for converting Excel files to CSV. Compatibility with various CSV formats extends the functionality across different applications.

Online Conversion Tools

CloudConvert is an online tool that converts XLS to CSV with support for over 200 formats. Being ISO 27001 certified and usage-based pricing, CloudConvert offers a secure and flexible solution for online file conversions since 2012.

Using Python for Conversion

Python libraries such as xlrd, pandas, and csvkit provide powerful scripting solutions to convert Excel files to CSV format. The xlrd library now exclusively reads xls files, while pandas with the openpyxl engine can convert both xls and xlsx files. The xlsx2csv library offers a faster alternative, and pandas ensures the conversion of any specific sheet with the option to trim spaces in column names.

Conversion Specifics

When converting Excel files with text in quotes, ensure the CSV output correctly displays the text, particularly as some methods may double-quote strings. It's important to consider the sheet and data structure since CSV files maintain a uniform field count across records.

Excel vs Sourcetable: Unifying Data Analysis and Management

Excel, a robust spreadsheet tool by Microsoft, excels in data analysis, budgeting, and data manipulation tasks. Widely utilized for its versatility, Excel supports complex calculations and deep data dives. However, it requires user expertise and additional tools to natively connect to various data sources.

Sourcetable offers a streamlined approach as a specialized data management tool. Its spreadsheet-like interface integrates easily with over 100 applications, building live models that update automatically. This makes Sourcetable an efficient solution for growth teams and business operations requiring real-time data analysis and decision-making.

Unlike Excel, Sourcetable's AI copilot simplifies complex tasks through conversational interaction, creating formulas and templates without coding knowledge. This user-friendly feature positions Sourcetable ahead for teams seeking an intuitive BI tool, offering a contemporary spreadsheet environment conducive to quick learning and adoption.

For those needing seamless data syncing and a centralized data view, Sourcetable's sync functionality outperforms Excel. Data is updated every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan, promoting up-to-the-minute analysis necessary in today's fast-paced business landscape. Whereas Excel's sharing and collaboration features require a more traditional approach, Sourcetable advances sharing through its cloud-based, integrated platform.

In conclusion, while Excel remains a powerful tool for certain data tasks, Sourcetable emerges as a more suitable and efficient option for modern data management, collaborative efforts, and businesses seeking a no-code, AI-enhanced BI experience.