5 Ways to Convert Excel Sheets to CSV Files Easily

Excel sheets are widely used for data management, but sometimes you need to convert your spreadsheet data into a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file. CSV files are simple text files that store tabular data, making them easy to import into various software and databases. Here are five straightforward methods to convert Excel to CSV, ensuring your data remains intact and readily usable:

1. Use Excel’s Built-in ‘Save As’ Option

Microsoft Excel provides an easy way to convert your files:

• Open the Excel workbook that you wish to convert.
• Click on ‘File’ in the upper left corner, then ‘Save As’.
• Choose where you want to save the file.
• From the ‘Save as type’ dropdown menu, select ‘CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv)’.
• Click ‘Save’. Excel will alert you that only the active sheet will be saved. Click ‘OK’ to proceed.

⚠️ Note: This method saves the currently active sheet only. If you have multiple sheets, use this method for each sheet or consider one of the other methods.

2. Use Online Conversion Tools

There are numerous online tools available where you can upload your Excel file to convert it into CSV format:

• Find a reliable online converter (check for privacy policies regarding your data).
• Upload your Excel file to the website.
• Select the desired format to convert to - typically CSV.
• Download the converted CSV file.

💡 Note: While convenient, ensure the service doesn’t retain your data longer than necessary for privacy reasons.

3. VBA Script in Excel

If you’re comfortable with Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), you can write a script to automate the process:

Sub ExcelToCSV()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
        ws.SaveAs ThisWorkbook.Path & “\” & ws.Name & “.csv”, xlCSV
    Next ws
End Sub

• Open the Excel workbook.
• Press Alt+F11 to open the VBA editor.
• Insert a new module and paste the above VBA code.
• Run the script by selecting it and pressing F5.

4. Using Power Query

Power Query, available in Excel 2016 and later versions, allows for complex data transformations:

• Go to the ‘Data’ tab, then select ‘Get Data’ > ‘From File’ > ‘From Workbook’.
• Import your Excel file and transform the data if needed.
• Go to ‘Home’ > ‘Close & Load’ to create a new worksheet.
• Save this new worksheet as a CSV file using the ‘Save As’ method mentioned above.

5. Command Line Tools

For those familiar with command line interfaces, tools like ssconvert from Gnumeric can be useful:

ssconvert –export-type=Gnumeric_stf:stf_csv in.xlsx out.csv

• Install Gnumeric or a similar tool on your computer.
• Navigate to the directory containing your Excel file via the command line.
• Execute the conversion command. Replace in.xlsx with your Excel file name and out.csv with your desired output file name.

Each of these methods offers its own set of advantages, depending on your need for automation, multiple sheet conversion, or simplicity. Whether you choose the manual approach or an automated script, converting Excel files to CSV is a straightforward process that can significantly ease the task of data exchange and integration.

Now that we’ve explored several methods to convert Excel files to CSV, let’s wrap up with some key points:

• The Save As method is perfect for single-sheet conversions.
• Online tools offer quick, no-install conversions, but consider data privacy.
• VBA scripts provide automation for multiple sheets but require some technical know-how.
• Power Query is powerful for complex data manipulation before conversion.
• Command-line tools give you a quick, scriptable option for bulk conversions.

Why would I want to convert Excel to CSV?

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CSV files are easier to share and import into other systems or databases that might not support complex Excel formats. They are also more universally compatible with different software tools, and typically smaller in size, making them ideal for data exchange.

Does converting from Excel to CSV lose any data?

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Generally, only the data in the active sheet is converted, and any Excel-specific features like formatting, macros, or complex formulas will not be preserved in the CSV file. Ensure to check your data after conversion for accuracy.

Can I automate the conversion for multiple Excel files?

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Yes, with VBA or command-line tools, you can automate the conversion of multiple Excel files to CSV at once. This saves time and ensures consistency in data format across multiple files.