CSV to YAML Converter Convert CSV data to YAML format using js-yaml for precise output.

🔄

CSV to YAML

Convert CSV data to YAML format using js-yaml for precise output.

Paste CSV data

Paste your CSV data with column headers in the first row.

View YAML output

The YAML output appears instantly as a list of objects.

Copy YAML output

Copy the YAML output for use in configuration files or applications.

Loading tool...

What Is CSV to YAML?

CSV to YAML converts comma-separated tabular data into YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) format. YAML is popular for configuration files (Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines), data serialization, and human-readable data storage. This converter parses CSV input with proper handling of quoted fields and commas in values, then uses the js-yaml library to generate clean, properly formatted YAML output. Each CSV row becomes a YAML object in a list, with column headers as keys. The output is ready for use in Kubernetes manifests, Ansible playbooks, GitHub Actions, and any other YAML-based configuration.

Why Use CSV to YAML?

Uses the industry-standard js-yaml library for correct YAML generation.
Handles CSV edge cases: quoted fields, commas in values, escaped quotes.
Clean YAML output without unnecessary quotes or escaping.
Perfect for converting spreadsheet data into configuration format.

Common Use Cases

DevOps Configuration

Convert spreadsheet-managed configuration data into YAML for Kubernetes, Docker Compose, or CI/CD pipelines.

Ansible Playbooks

Transform inventory or variable data from CSV format into YAML for Ansible automation.

Data Serialization

Tabular data becomes YAML for human-readable storage and interchange.

API Configuration

Generate YAML configuration for OpenAPI/Swagger specifications from spreadsheet data.

Technical Guide

The converter first parses the CSV input using a custom state-machine parser that properly handles RFC 4180 edge cases. The parsed data is then transformed into an array of JavaScript objects where keys come from the header row.

YAML generation is handled by the js-yaml library's dump() function with specific options: lineWidth is set to -1 to prevent line wrapping, and noRefs is enabled to prevent YAML anchor/alias references. This produces clean, readable YAML output.

The js-yaml library handles proper YAML escaping automatically: strings that could be misinterpreted as YAML types (e.g., "true", "null", "1.0") are properly quoted. Multi-line strings use YAML's block scalar notation when appropriate.

All values from CSV are treated as strings since CSV has no native type system. The js-yaml library will add quotes only when necessary to maintain YAML validity.

Tips & Best Practices

1
Column headers become YAML keys — use simple, descriptive names without special characters.
2
All CSV values are treated as strings. Use a YAML editor to change types if needed.
3
The output is a YAML sequence (list) of mappings (objects) — the most common data structure.
4
For nested YAML structures, convert to JSON first, then use JSON to YAML.

Related Tools

CSV to JSON

Convert CSV data to JSON array format instantly in your browser.

🔄 File Conversion

CSV to XML

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

🔄 File Conversion

YAML to CSV

Convert YAML arrays of objects to CSV format with proper escaping.

🔄 File Conversion

JSON to YAML

Convert JSON to clean, readable YAML format using the js-yaml library.

🔄 File Conversion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What YAML library is used?

The converter uses js-yaml, the most popular JavaScript YAML library, for reliable and standards-compliant YAML output.

Q Are numeric values preserved?

CSV values are initially treated as strings. The js-yaml library may output them without quotes if they look like numbers.

Q Can I convert back to CSV?

Yes, use our YAML to CSV converter for the reverse transformation.

Q Does it support nested YAML?

The direct CSV to YAML conversion produces a flat structure. For nested YAML, convert via JSON first.

Q Is the output valid YAML?

Yes, the output is generated by js-yaml which ensures full YAML 1.2 compliance.

About This Tool

CSV to YAML 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.