Skip to main content

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

YAML to CSV illustration
🔄

YAML to CSV

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

1

Paste YAML data

Paste a YAML list of objects into the input area.

2

View CSV output

The CSV output with headers and rows appears instantly.

3

Copy or download

Copy the CSV output or download it.

Loading tool...

What Is YAML to CSV?

YAML to CSV converts YAML sequences (lists) of mappings (objects) into flat, tabular CSV format. YAML is commonly used in DevOps configurations, data files, and application settings, but sometimes you need data in CSV for spreadsheet analysis or database import. This tool uses the js-yaml library to parse YAML input accurately, then transforms the data into CSV with proper RFC 4180 escaping. All unique keys across all objects are collected as column headers, ensuring no data is lost even if objects have different key sets.

Why Use YAML to CSV?

  • Accurate YAML parsing using the trusted js-yaml library.
  • Collects all unique keys to handle objects with different structures.
  • Proper CSV escaping following RFC 4180 standards.
  • Instant conversion without any server upload.

Common Use Cases

Configuration Auditing

Extract YAML configuration data into CSV for review in spreadsheets.

Data Export

Convert YAML data files into CSV for import into databases or BI tools.

DevOps Reporting

Transform Kubernetes or Docker configuration data into tabular format for reporting.

Testing

Convert YAML test fixtures into CSV for data-driven testing frameworks.

Technical Guide

The converter uses js-yaml's load() function to parse the YAML input. The input must be a YAML sequence (array) of mappings (objects). Non-array inputs produce an error message.

After parsing, the tool iterates over all objects to collect all unique keys, which become CSV column headers. This two-pass approach ensures the CSV includes all possible columns even when objects have inconsistent key sets.

Each object's values are then mapped to the column order and escaped for CSV output. Values are converted to strings using JavaScript's String() function. Nested objects or arrays within YAML are serialized as JSON strings in the CSV output.

CSV escaping follows RFC 4180: fields containing commas, double quotes, or newlines are wrapped in double quotes, with internal double quotes doubled.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    The YAML input must be a list of objects (sequence of mappings). Single objects are not supported.
  • 2
    Nested YAML structures are serialized as JSON strings in the CSV output.
  • 3
    Boolean and null values from YAML are converted to their string representations.
  • 4
    For best results, ensure all objects in the YAML list have a consistent set of keys.

Related Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

Q What YAML structure does it expect?
A YAML sequence (list) of mappings (objects). Each list item should be a key-value mapping.
Q How are nested values handled?
Nested objects and arrays are serialized as JSON strings in the CSV cells.
Q Are YAML anchors supported?
Yes, js-yaml resolves YAML anchors and aliases before conversion.
Q What about YAML comments?
YAML comments are ignored during parsing, as per the YAML specification.
Q Can I specify a different delimiter?
The output uses comma delimiters by default. For tab or semicolon delimiters, use find-and-replace after conversion.

About This Tool

YAML to CSV 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.