Convert CSV to XML Online Convert CSV data to well-formed XML with customizable root and row tags.

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CSV to XML

Convert CSV data to well-formed XML with customizable root and row tags.

Paste CSV data

Paste your CSV content with headers in the first row.

Customize tags

Optionally change the root and row element tag names.

Copy or download XML

Copy or download the formatted XML output.

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What Is CSV to XML?

CSV to XML converts tabular comma-separated data into well-formed XML documents. XML (Extensible Markup Language) is widely used in enterprise systems, web services (SOAP), configuration files, and data interchange between different platforms. This tool takes CSV input, uses column headers as XML element names, and wraps each row in a customizable row element within a root element. All text content is properly escaped for XML special characters (&, <, >, ", '), and column header names are sanitized to produce valid XML tag names. The output includes an XML declaration with UTF-8 encoding specification.

Why Use CSV to XML?

Customizable root and row tag names for your specific XML schema requirements.
Automatic XML character escaping for special characters.
Column headers automatically sanitized to valid XML tag names.
Properly formatted output with indentation and XML declaration.

Common Use Cases

Enterprise Integration

Convert CSV exports into XML format required by enterprise systems and SOAP web services.

Data Exchange

Transform spreadsheet data into XML for cross-platform data interchange.

Configuration Files

Generate XML configuration files from spreadsheet-managed data.

Publishing Systems

Turn tabular data into XML for content management and publishing workflows.

Technical Guide

The converter parses CSV input using a state-machine parser that handles quoted fields, then transforms each row into XML elements. Column headers are sanitized for XML compliance: characters not valid in XML names are replaced with underscores, and names starting with numbers or special characters are prefixed with an underscore.

XML special characters in data values are escaped using standard XML entities: & becomes &, < becomes <, > becomes >, " becomes ", and ' becomes '. This ensures the output is always well-formed XML.

The output structure is: XML declaration, root element containing row elements, each row containing child elements named after the CSV headers. The indentation uses 2 spaces per level for readability. Empty cell values produce empty XML elements (self-closing or with empty text content).

Tips & Best Practices

1
Use meaningful root and row tag names that describe your data (e.g., "employees" and "employee").
2
Column headers with spaces or special characters are automatically converted to valid XML tag names.
3
The output includes an XML declaration — most XML parsers expect this.
4
Validate the output with an XML validator if strict compliance is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q Does the converter handle special characters?

Yes. All XML special characters (&, <, >, ", ') are properly escaped using XML entities.

Q What if my CSV headers contain spaces?

Spaces and other characters invalid in XML tag names are replaced with underscores.

Q Can I customize the XML structure?

You can customize the root element and row element tag names. Column names come from your CSV headers.

Q Is the output well-formed XML?

Yes. The output includes an XML declaration and all content is properly escaped.

Q Can I convert back from XML to CSV?

Yes, use our XML to CSV converter tool for the reverse conversion.

About This Tool

CSV to XML is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.