Compare
XML vs CSV
XML represents structured data with hierarchy, elements, and attributes; CSV represents values in a flat table. Choose according to the receiving specification and the structure the data needs.
Which format should you choose?
Use XML for existing integrations with hierarchy or namespaces; choose CSV to exchange a single table.
Good fit for XML
Structured-data exchange
- Data with schemas and hierarchical structure
Good fit for CSV
Tabular-data exchange
- Transferring one simple table between applications
Basic information
| Field | XML | CSV |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .xml | .csv |
| MIME type | application/xml | text/csv |
| Common uses | Structured-data exchange | Tabular-data exchange |
| How to open | Open it in a text editor or XML-aware tool. Check the expected encoding and schema where applicable. | When importing into a spreadsheet, set the character encoding and delimiter. Check that leading zeros, date-like values, and long numbers are not automatically converted. |
| Export or convert | Convert it to JSON or another format when required by the receiving system, and confirm that structure and attributes are retained. | Exporting XLSX to CSV normally writes values from only one selected sheet. Keep formulas, formatting, other sheets, and charts separately. |
Choose by use case
Data with schemas and hierarchical structure
Structured-data exchange
XMLTransferring one simple table between applications
Tabular-data exchange
CSVKey point 1
XML can represent nested elements, attributes, and namespaces.
More on the differencesKey point 2
CSV is suited to rows and columns and needs agreed delimiter, quoting, and encoding rules.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Follow the interface contract. When converting XML to CSV, decide how nested or repeated elements map to rows and columns, and check for lost structure, character encoding, and delimiters.
- XML supports hierarchical data; CSV does not inherently represent nested structure.
- CSV is often simpler for spreadsheets and tabular processing.
- Conversions can discard attributes, namespaces, or relationships unless explicitly mapped.
Frequently asked questions
Can every XML file be converted to CSV?
Not without choosing a mapping: hierarchical and repeated XML elements may not fit a single flat table without losing relationships.