Convert XML records into CSV rows
XML can represent nested structures and attributes, while CSV is a simple grid of rows and columns. This XML to CSV converter is designed for XML files that contain a list of similar records. It reads each direct child under the root as one row, gathers the record fields into columns, and creates CSV text you can open in a spreadsheet or pass to another data tool.
How XML records map to a table
Imagine the XML root contains several record elements. Each record's direct child tags become fields. The converter collects field names in the order they first appear and uses that list as the CSV header. Each record becomes a row beneath the header. If a record is missing a field that appears in another record, its cell is left empty.
The conversion uses element text as cell content. XML attributes are ignored, and repeated copies of the same field tag in one record cause a clear error rather than silently dropping one value. Nested markup is not turned into extra columns; its text content stays together in the parent field's cell, so review the preview when fields contain nested elements.
Example: a record list becomes CSV
For XML where the root contains records with name and city child elements, the table looks like this:
name,city
Ada Lovelace,London
Grace Hopper,New YorkIf one record lacks city, that row has an empty value in the city column. If another record introduces a new field, that field is added to the header list and earlier records receive empty cells for it.
Choose the CSV separator
Comma is the default output separator. Select semicolon, tab, or pipe if the spreadsheet or import tool you are using expects that format. The converter quotes cell values that contain the chosen separator, quotation marks, or line breaks, and doubles quote marks inside quoted fields so values stay in the correct cell.
How to convert XML to CSV
- Choose an XML file up to 50 MB, or paste XML text into the input area.
- Review the table and select the CSV separator your next app needs.
- Copy the CSV text or download it as a
.csvfile.
The preview and export include all records. XML is parsed in your browser and is not uploaded to RomitCSV. Empty elements produce empty CSV cells; CSV does not retain XML attributes, parent-child relationships, or data types.
Frequently asked questions
What XML structure can I convert?
Use one root element whose direct children represent records. Each record should contain child elements for its fields. The converter reports malformed XML and XML with no records or no fields.
Are XML attributes included in the CSV?
No. Attributes are ignored. Only child elements inside each record provide CSV columns and values.
How are missing fields handled?
The converter creates a column for each field name found across the records. When a record does not contain one of those fields, its CSV cell is left empty.
Does it flatten nested XML into separate columns?
No. Nested text inside a field is kept together as one cell value. The tool does not create additional columns for nested elements or repeat groups.
Can I use tabs or semicolons in the CSV output?
Yes. Choose comma, semicolon, tab, or pipe in the separator menu. The same setting is used for the copied and downloaded CSV.
Is my XML file uploaded?
No. The file is read in your browser and the CSV is generated locally.
Related tools
To create XML from a CSV table, try CSV to XML. You can also convert structured rows with CSV to JSON or browse all RomitCSV tools.