How XML to CSV conversion works
XML often stores data as repeated elements, such as multiple items inside a parent container. This tool converts XML into CSV by letting you pick the repeating node that represents one record. Each matching element becomes one CSV row, and its fields are extracted into columns. Everything runs locally in your browser, so nothing is uploaded or stored.
When to use this tool
XML is common in exports and integrations, while CSV is easy to open in spreadsheets and import into many systems. XML to CSV helps when you need analysis, cleanup, or simple tabular exports.
- Spreadsheets: open XML-based exports in Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers.
- Imports: convert XML to CSV for tools that accept rows and columns.
- Data review: quickly inspect records and filter values in a table format.
- Automation: generate a flat CSV for pipelines that do not handle nested XML well.
Need the “reverse” direction (CSV → XML)? Try our CSV to XML Converter. If you need a JSON format instead, use this XML to JSON Converter.
Flattening rules
- Rows: the repeating node you choose becomes one row per matching element.
- Child elements: leaf child elements become columns using their text content.
- Nested elements: nested fields are flattened using a path-like column name (example:
address_street). - Attributes: if included, attributes become columns prefixed with
@(example:@id). - Repeated child tags: repeated values are joined into one cell using
|to stay CSV-friendly. - Missing fields: missing values are left blank to keep rows aligned.
Step-by-step: from XML to CSV
Converting your XML takes just a few seconds:
- Add your XML files. Drag and drop files into the box above, or click to choose from your device.
- Choose the repeating node. Use Auto detect or select the element that represents one record.
- Pick export options. Choose delimiter, columns mode, and whether to include headers.
- Convert to CSV. Click Convert to CSV. The tool processes everything locally.
- Save your output. Save files one by one or use “Save all” once ready.
Privacy, limits and how this tool treats your files
FileYoga is built around a simple rule: your files stay with you. XML to CSV 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 XML is not uploaded, and the CSV 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.
Tips for best results
- If Auto detect picks the wrong node, choose the repeating element that represents one record (product, item, row, entry).
- If your XML uses namespaces, the tool matches nodes by name without requiring a specific prefix.
- If you need attributes like IDs, set Columns to include attributes.
- For huge XML exports, convert one file at a time to reduce memory pressure.
Troubleshooting
- No repeating nodes found: Your XML may not contain repeated elements. Select a different node or confirm the file includes multiple records.
- Empty CSV output: The chosen repeating node might not exist in the XML. Try Auto detect or pick another option.
- Columns look incomplete: Your fields may be nested. The tool flattens nested paths, but very complex structures may need a different export.
- Values merged with |: Some child tags repeat. This tool joins repeats to keep one row per record.
- The tab freezes: Very large or deeply nested XML can hit memory limits. Convert one file at a time and close other heavy tabs.
Frequently asked questions
No. XML to CSV conversion runs locally in your browser. Your file is never uploaded to FileYoga servers, and the CSV output is generated on your device.
A repeating node is the XML element that represents one record and appears many times (for example an item,
product, entry, or row element). Each matching element becomes one CSV row.
Picking the correct node ensures you get one row per record.
Auto detect scans the XML structure and looks for elements that repeat multiple times. It prefers nodes that look record-like (they contain child elements, attributes, or meaningful text). If the guess is not right, just pick the correct node manually from the list.
Yes — if you choose “Child elements + attributes” (or “Attributes only”).
Attribute columns are added with an @ marker (for example product_@id).
Nested fields are flattened into a single column name using underscores, like address_street.
Leaf text values become the cell values. This keeps the CSV usable in spreadsheets and imports.
That happens when a field repeats inside one record (for example multiple tags, categories, or images).
To keep one CSV row per record, the converter joins repeated values into a single cell using | .
If you need one row per repeated value instead, you may need a different export strategy.
Usually no. The converter matches elements by their local names, so namespace prefixes typically do not matter. If different namespaces reuse the same local names, try selecting a more specific repeating node (a deeper path) for cleaner results.
Comma is the default. Semicolon is common in regions where commas are used as decimal separators. Tab is useful for copy/paste into spreadsheets. Pipe is handy if your data contains many commas.
There are no artificial limits. Very large or deeply nested XML 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.