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Convert DBF to XML - Export Database Records Easily

Transform legacy DBF databases into portable XML format. Preserve your data structure.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Legacy Database Files Need a Modern Format

You have DBF files from an old dBASE, FoxPro, or Clipper application. The software that created them is long gone, but your data is still valuable. Many modern systems cannot read DBF directly.

Converting to XML solves this problem. XML is a universal data format that virtually every programming language, database system, and business application can read and import. Your records become portable and future-proof.

How to Convert DBF to XML

  1. Upload your DBF file - Drag and drop or click to select your database file
  2. Confirm XML output - XML is selected as your structured data format
  3. Download your XML - Get your database records in portable XML format

The conversion preserves your field names, data types, and record structure. No database software needed on your computer.

Why Convert DBF to XML?

DBF files were the standard database format in the 1980s and 1990s. Many businesses still have critical data locked in these files. XML offers several advantages for working with this data today:

  • Universal compatibility - Every modern programming language can parse XML
  • Human readable - You can open XML in any text editor and understand the structure
  • Self-documenting - Field names become XML tags, making data meaning clear
  • Web-ready - XML integrates directly with web services and APIs
  • Database import - MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server all import XML easily

In our testing, DBF files with complex field structures convert cleanly to well-formed XML with proper nesting and encoding.

Common Use Cases

Data Migration Projects

Moving from a legacy system to a modern database? Convert your DBF files to XML first. Most database migration tools accept XML as an intermediate format, making the transition smoother.

System Integration

Need to feed data from an old application into a new one? XML serves as a universal translator between systems. Your DBF records can flow into web applications, ERPs, and CRM systems.

Archival and Preservation

XML is an open, documented format that will remain readable decades from now. Converting important DBF archives to XML ensures long-term accessibility.

Data Analysis

Modern analytics tools work better with XML than DBF. Convert your database files to analyze them in tools like Python, R, or business intelligence platforms.

What About Other Formats?

XML is ideal when you need structured data with preserved field relationships. But depending on your needs, consider these alternatives:

  • DBF to CSV - Simpler format for spreadsheet analysis and basic imports
  • DBF to PDF - When you need to share records as a readable document
  • DBF to XLSX - For direct editing in Microsoft Excel with formatting preserved

Choose XML when data structure matters more than human readability or when feeding systems that expect XML input.

Supported DBF Versions

Our converter handles the major DBF variants you are likely to encounter:

  • dBASE III and dBASE IV
  • FoxPro and Visual FoxPro
  • Clipper DBF files
  • dBASE Level 7

Field types including character, numeric, date, logical, and memo fields convert to appropriate XML representations.

Works in Your Browser

No software to download or install. Convert DBF to XML on any device:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Desktop and mobile devices

Your database files are processed locally in your browser. Records stay on your device throughout the conversion process.

Pro Tip

Before converting large DBF files, check the record count and field structure using a DBF viewer. This helps you verify the XML output is complete. For databases with multiple related tables, convert all DBF files to maintain referential relationships in your XML import.

Common Mistake

Assuming all DBF files are the same. Different applications created slightly different DBF variants. If conversion fails, the file may be from an uncommon variant or may have a non-standard header. Try renaming the extension to see if that helps.

Best For

Data migration projects where you need to move legacy dBASE or FoxPro data into modern database systems, web applications, or data analysis pipelines. XML provides the structured format these systems expect.

Not Recommended

If you just need to view DBF data in a spreadsheet, convert to CSV or XLSX instead. XML adds structural overhead that is unnecessary for simple viewing. Also skip XML if the receiving system specifically accepts DBF - no conversion needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

DBF (Database File) is a database format originally created by dBASE in 1983. It stores tabular data with defined fields and records. Many legacy business applications, GIS systems, and accounting software used DBF format. The format was also adopted by FoxPro, Clipper, and other database programs.

Yes. DBF field names become XML element tags. A field named 'CUSTOMER_NAME' in your DBF becomes a <CUSTOMER_NAME> tag in XML. The complete data structure transfers to the new format.

Yes. Memo fields containing longer text convert to XML text content. Special characters are properly escaped using XML entities. The full text content is preserved in the output.

The XML output uses UTF-8 encoding, which supports international characters and special symbols. This ensures compatibility with modern systems regardless of what character encoding your original DBF file used.

Yes. Upload multiple DBF files and convert them all to XML in one batch. Each file produces a separate XML output file with the same base name.

Most database systems have XML import functions. In MySQL, use LOAD XML. In SQL Server, use OPENXML or the XML data type. PostgreSQL has xml_to_record functions. Your database documentation will have specific import instructions.

Yes. Conversion happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your DBF files are never uploaded to a server. This is especially important for database files that may contain confidential business or customer information.

The converter reads valid records and reports any that cannot be processed. Partial conversion is possible - you will receive XML with the records that could be read successfully. Badly corrupted files may need professional data recovery first.

Converting XML to DBF requires knowing the field definitions and types. While technically possible with specialized tools, it is not a direct reversal. Keep your original DBF files archived if you may need the native format again.

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