5 Ways to Convert Excel to CSV in Google Sheets

Excel to CSV Conversion: Discover 5 ways to convert Excel files to CSV in Google Sheets for enhanced file compatibility and data handling in your workflows. Whether you're looking to seamlessly transfer data between different software or streamline your data import/export processes, these methods will help you manage your spreadsheets efficiently.

The Importance of Excel to CSV Conversion

Before we dive into the methods, let’s understand why converting Excel files to CSV can be beneficial:

• Data Compatibility: CSV files are universally compatible with most data analysis software, databases, and programming languages.
• Reduced File Size: CSV files are smaller and easier to handle, especially for large datasets.
• Simplicity: They remove the formatting complexities associated with Excel files, focusing solely on the data itself.

Method 1: Manual Export in Google Sheets

Google Sheets allows for an easy manual conversion process:

1. Open the Excel file in Google Sheets by uploading it from your drive or importing it from your local storage.
2. Navigate to File > Download > Comma-separated values (.csv, current sheet).
3. Choose where you want to save the file, and you’ll have your CSV version ready to use.

⚠️ Note: This method will only convert the current active sheet to CSV. If you have multiple sheets, consider repeating the process for each sheet or using a script.

Method 2: Using Google Apps Script

For a more automated approach, you can use Google Apps Script:

1. Open your Google Sheets document.
2. Go to Extensions > Apps Script.
3. Insert the following script:

function saveAsCSV() {
  const ss = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet();
  const sheets = ss.getSheets();

for (let sheet of sheets) {
    const data = sheet.getDataRange().getValues();
    const csvFile = convertToCSV(data);
    const blob = Utilities.newBlob(csvFile, ‘text/csv’, ${sheet.getName()}.csv);
    const url = DriveApp.createFile(blob).getUrl();
    Logger.log(url);
  }
}

function convertToCSV(arr) {
  const csv = arr.map(row =>
    row.map(val =>
      JSON.stringify(val) || “
    ).join(‘,’)
  ).join(‘\n’);
  return csv;
}

4. Save the script with the name saveAsCSV and run it to convert all sheets to individual CSV files in your Google Drive.

Method 3: Using Google Sheets API

If you’re comfortable with programming, you can leverage the Google Sheets API for programmatic conversion:

1. Enable the Google Sheets API in the Google Cloud Console.
2. Set up OAuth 2.0 credentials for your project.
3. Install the google-spreadsheet package in Node.js:

npm install google-spreadsheet

4. Write the following Node.js code to export the sheet:

const { GoogleSpreadsheet } = require(‘google-spreadsheet’);

// Spreadsheet key is the long id in the sheets URL
const doc = new GoogleSpreadsheet(‘YOUR_SPREADSHEET_ID’);
await doc.useServiceAccountAuth(require(‘./credentials.json’));

await doc.loadInfo(); // loads document properties and worksheets

const sheet = doc.sheetsByIndex[0]; // select the first sheet
const rows = await sheet.getRows();

const csvContent = rows.map(row => Object.values(row._rawData).join(‘,’)).join(‘\n’);

// Further steps to save or process the CSV data

Method 4: Batch Conversion with Google Sheets Add-Ons

Take advantage of add-ons for bulk conversion:

1. Open Google Sheets and navigate to Add-ons > Get add-ons.
2. Search for File Management Tools or CSV Exporter.
3. Install the add-on of your choice and follow its instructions to convert your spreadsheets.

Method 5: Command Line Conversion

For advanced users or system administrators, you can automate CSV conversion from the command line:

1. Install LibreOffice if not already installed:

sudo apt-get install libreoffice

2. Use the following command to convert:

soffice –convert-to csv –outdir “/path/to/output” /path/to/excel/*.xlsx

This wraps up our exploration of converting Excel files to CSV in Google Sheets. Each method offers unique benefits depending on your needs, whether it be manual conversion, automation, or command-line operations. By mastering these techniques, you can enhance your data workflow, ensuring seamless compatibility across different platforms.

Why should I convert Excel files to CSV?

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Converting to CSV ensures compatibility with various data handling tools and simplifies the data itself by removing unnecessary formatting.

Can I convert multiple sheets at once?

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Yes, methods like Google Apps Script or command-line tools can handle batch conversions of multiple sheets within one document or even multiple documents.

Is there a size limit to the files I can convert?

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While Google Sheets has a row limit, the CSV export itself is not generally limited by file size in terms of software constraints. However, be mindful of system resources for very large files.