How CSV to XML conversion works
This tool reads your CSV file and turns each row into an XML item. If you choose “Use headers”, the first row becomes XML tag names for fields inside each item. Everything runs directly in your browser, nothing is uploaded or stored anywhere, making it a good option for private data.
When to use this tool
CSV is common for spreadsheet exports, while many integrations prefer XML for structured tags. CSV to XML helps when you need feeds, imports, or system-to-system exchange.
- Imports: convert a CSV list into XML items for systems that accept XML.
- Feeds: generate XML feeds for catalogs, listings, or structured exports.
- Legacy systems: XML is still widely used in older integration pipelines.
- Structured exchange: map spreadsheet columns into clear XML fields.
Need the “reverse” direction (XML → CSV)? Try our XML to CSV Converter. If you need a JSON format instead, use this CSV to JSON Converter.
Step-by-step: from CSV to XML
Converting your CSV takes just a few seconds:
- Add your CSV files. Drag and drop files into the box above, or click to choose from your device.
- Pick mapping. Use headers to create field tags, or use default column names for headerless data.
- Choose delimiter. Keep Auto detect, or set comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe if your CSV uses a specific separator.
- Set root and item tags. Choose the outer root and the per-row item tag names.
- Convert to XML. Click Convert to XML. The tool processes everything directly in your browser.
- Save your output. Save files one by one or use the “Save all” button once everything is ready.
Choosing root and item tags
XML needs a single top-level element. The root tag is that wrapper.
The item tag is repeated once per CSV row.
For example, you might use products as root and product as item.
- Root tag: the top-level container element for the file.
- Item tag: one element per row.
- Field tags: headers become child elements inside each item (or
column_1,column_2when no headers).
Privacy, limits and how this tool treats your files
FileYoga is built around a simple rule: your files stay with you. CSV to XML conversion runs locally in your browser, so your data is never uploaded to FileYoga servers.
Local-only conversion
Conversion runs locally in your browser on your device. Your CSV is not uploaded, and the XML output is generated on your side.
No hidden copies
When you clear the list or close the tab, the tool stops using your files and does not save copies on a server.
No artificial limits
No paywalls or quotas. The only limits come from your device’s memory and your browser.
No account required
Use the converter without signing up. Open the page, convert your files, and leave when you are done.
If you are working with sensitive data (customer exports, internal reports, financial lists), this setup means you keep full control from start to finish.
Tips for best results
- If your CSV includes headers, use “Use headers” so columns become XML field tags.
- If a header contains spaces or symbols, the tool sanitizes it into a valid XML tag name.
- If values contain commas, the CSV should use quotes. The converter supports quoted fields and escaped quotes.
- For very large CSV files, convert one file at a time to avoid browser memory pressure.
Troubleshooting
- Rows look split incorrectly: Your CSV may use a different delimiter. Switch from Auto detect to comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe.
- Some fields are shifted: Quoted text may be unbalanced. Check for missing closing quotes in the CSV.
- The XML looks empty: If the file contains only headers, there are no rows to convert. Add data rows or use headerless mode for testing.
- The tab freezes: Large files can hit memory limits. Try converting one file at a time and close other heavy tabs.
- Tag names look different: XML tag names must follow rules. The tool cleans header names so the output stays valid XML.
Frequently asked questions
No. CSV to XML conversion runs locally in your browser. Your file is never uploaded to FileYoga servers, and the XML output is generated on your device.
The root tag is the single top-level element that wraps the whole document.
The item tag is repeated once per CSV row. Example: root products, item product.
Yes, when you choose Use headers. Each column header becomes a child element inside each item.
If the CSV has no headers, choose No headers and the tool uses column_1, column_2, and so on.
XML tag names must follow rules. The converter cleans headers so the output stays valid XML:
spaces become underscores, unsupported symbols are replaced, names that start with a number get a safe prefix,
and names that start with xml are renamed to avoid reserved patterns.
The tool samples the first part of your CSV and tests common separators (comma, semicolon, tab, pipe). It chooses the delimiter that produces the most consistent number of columns across lines. If detection is wrong, choose the delimiter manually.
No. Quoted fields are supported. If a value contains commas, tabs, pipes, or newlines, it should be wrapped in quotes in the CSV. Escaped quotes (double quotes inside quoted fields) are supported too.
Empty cells become empty XML elements, so the tag is still present but has no value (for example <price></price>).
If you prefer to omit empty fields, you can remove them after export or filter them in your pipeline.
There are no artificial limits. Very large CSV files can hit browser memory limits or slow down your device. If that happens, convert one file at a time and close other heavy tabs.