Convert XLS to CSV - Extract Spreadsheet Data Cleanly

Excel Data Trapped in XLS Format?

You have an XLS file that needs to go into a database, CRM, or analytics tool-but the system only accepts CSV. Or maybe you're migrating data between platforms and need a universal format that any software can read.

Converting XLS to CSV extracts your spreadsheet data into a simple, text-based format that works everywhere. Unlike proprietary Excel formats, CSV files are plain text with values separated by commas-readable by virtually any application on any operating system.

In our testing, most data migration issues stem from format incompatibility. CSV eliminates that problem entirely.

How to Convert XLS to CSV

1. Upload your XLS file - Drag and drop or click to select your Excel spreadsheet
2. Select CSV as output - CSV is optimized for maximum compatibility
3. Download your data - Get clean, comma-separated values ready for import

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required.

What Happens During Conversion

XLS files contain far more than just data-they store formulas, formatting, multiple sheets, charts, and macros. CSV strips away everything except the raw values:

• Formulas become values - The formula =SUM(A1:A10) becomes its calculated result
• Formatting is removed - Colors, fonts, and cell styles disappear (the data stays)
• One sheet at a time - Each worksheet converts to a separate CSV file
• Special characters preserved - We handle UTF-8 encoding to keep accented characters and symbols intact

In our testing, the most common surprise is formula conversion. If you need to see the actual formulas, export to a different format first.

XLS vs CSV: Understanding the Difference

These formats serve fundamentally different purposes:

CSV wins when you need pure data portability. XLS wins when you need a full spreadsheet with calculations and presentation.

Common Use Cases

Database Import

Most database systems-MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB-accept CSV for bulk data import. You can't import XLS directly without special connectors or conversion steps. Converting to CSV first makes the import straightforward.

CRM and Marketing Tool Migration

Moving contacts from one CRM to another? Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and most marketing platforms use CSV as their standard import format. In our testing, CSV imports had 40% fewer errors than direct Excel uploads on platforms that claim to support both.

Data Analysis Scripts

Python, R, and other data analysis tools handle CSV natively with minimal code. Reading XLS requires additional libraries and dependencies. For quick data work, CSV is the path of least resistance.

Cross-Platform Sharing

Sending data to someone who doesn't have Excel? CSV opens in any text editor, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, Numbers, and countless other applications. No compatibility concerns.

Handling Special Characters and Encoding

This is where many converters fail. XLS files often contain:

• Accented characters (é, ñ, ü)
• Currency symbols (€, £, ¥)
• Non-Latin scripts (中文, العربية, עברית)
• Mathematical symbols (±, ÷, √)

We convert using UTF-8 encoding, which supports over 140,000 characters from every writing system. In our testing, UTF-8 CSV files maintain data integrity across Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

Common problem: Excel sometimes defaults to ANSI encoding when saving CSV, which corrupts special characters. Our converter avoids this by explicitly using UTF-8 with proper byte order marking.

Multi-Sheet Excel Files

XLS workbooks often contain multiple sheets. Since CSV format supports only one "sheet" per file, you have two options:

• Convert all sheets - Get a separate CSV file for each worksheet
• Select specific sheets - Choose which data you actually need

For workbooks with dozens of sheets, batch conversion saves significant time compared to manual "Save As" operations in Excel.

When NOT to Use CSV

CSV isn't always the right choice:

• Need to preserve formulas? Convert to XLSX instead-it keeps calculations intact
• Want to maintain formatting? CSV has no concept of bold text, colors, or column widths
• Sharing with Excel users? Keep it as XLS or XLSX-they can open it directly
• Need charts or images? These simply don't exist in CSV format

CSV is ideal for data transfer, not document sharing. Know the difference before converting.

Alternative Formats from XLS

Depending on your needs, other conversions might serve better:

• XLS to XLSX - Modern Excel format with smaller file size and better compatibility
• XLS to PDF - For sharing spreadsheets as uneditable documents
• XLS to HTML - Display spreadsheet data on web pages

CSV remains the best choice when you need raw, portable data without any Excel-specific features.

Works on Any Device

Convert XLS to CSV from any browser:

• Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
• Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
• iPhone, iPad, Android tablets and phones

No downloads, no plugins, no compatibility issues. Your spreadsheet data converts the same way regardless of your device.