Batch Convert Multiple Excel Files to CSV

You have a folder with 500 .xlsx files. You need them all as .csv files for a database import.

Opening and saving each one manually would take hours. Let's do it in seconds.

Method 1: VBA Macro (Windows Only)

You can run a macro inside Excel to process a whole folder.

1. Open a blank Excel file.
2. Alt+F11 (VBA Editor).
3. Insert > Module.
4. Paste this:

Sub BatchConvertToCSV()
    Dim strFile As String
    Dim strPath As String
    Dim wbk As Workbook

    ' Change this to your folder path (end with backslash)
    strPath = "C:\MyFiles\"
    strFile = Dir(strPath & "*.xlsx")

    Do While strFile <> ""
        Set wbk = Workbooks.Open(strPath & strFile)
        ' Save as CSV
        wbk.SaveAs Filename:=strPath & Replace(strFile, ".xlsx", ".csv"), FileFormat:=xlCSV
        wbk.Close SaveChanges:=False
        strFile = Dir
    Loop
End Sub

5. Run it. Watch the screen flash as it processes everything.

Method 2: Python (Cross-Platform)

The best way. Works on Mac, Windows, Linux.

import pandas as pd
import glob
import os

# Get all Excel files
files = glob.glob("*.xlsx")

for file in files:
    # Read Excel
    df = pd.read_excel(file)

    # Create new filename
    new_name = file.replace('.xlsx', '.csv')

    # Save as CSV
    df.to_csv(new_name, index=False)
    print(f"Converted {file} to {new_name}")

Pros:

• No Excel license needed (if using Python).
• Very fast.
• Can run in background.

Method 3: Mac Automator (macOS Only)

Mac has a built-in automation tool.

1. Open Automator.
2. Create a new Application.
3. Search for "Convert Format of Excel Files" (requires Excel installed).
4. Drag it to the workflow.
5. Change "Convert to" -> CSV.
6. Save the app as "Excel to CSV Droplet".
7. Drag and drop your 500 files onto this new app icon. It will process them all.

Method 4: LibreOffice (Command Line)

If you don't have Excel but have LibreOffice (free).

soffice --headless --convert-to csv *.xlsx

This command converts every Excel file in the folder to CSV without opening the GUI.

Summary

• Windows: Use VBA.
• Mac: Use Automator.
• Developer: Use Python or LibreOffice.
• Manual: Don't do it.

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Converting files? HappyCSV supports batch processing to convert your data formats instantly.