Free Data File Converter
Convert between JSON, CSV, TSV, XML, YAML, and INI in one click. Drag and drop a file or paste raw data — the converter auto-detects the source format. 30 conversion paths, all in your browser, so confidential data never leaves your device.
Output will appear hereNotes
- All 6 formats convert to each other — JSON ↔ CSV ↔ TSV ↔ XML ↔ YAML ↔ INI, 30 conversion paths.
- CSV / TSV are flat: nested objects get stringified when converting from JSON/XML/YAML. Convert nested data to JSON for the most accurate result.
- YAML support is a subset — indentation-based maps and lists, scalars, no anchors or tags. Sufficient for most config and data files.
- INI is 2 levels deep: top-level keys plus single-level sections. Deeper structures get flattened to JSON strings.
- Everything runs locally in your browser — your data never leaves the page.
When to use each format
| Format | Strength | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| JSON | Universal API standard | REST APIs, web apps, configs |
| CSV | Spreadsheet-friendly | Excel imports, bulk uploads |
| TSV | No quote-escaping needed | Logs, bioinformatics, exports |
| XML | Strong schema validation | SOAP, RSS, legacy systems |
| YAML | Easy to read and edit | DevOps configs, CI/CD pipelines |
| INI | Simple key=value with sections | php.ini, my.cnf, systemd units, .gitconfig |
Common conversion scenarios
API to CSV
Convert JSON response payloads from REST APIs into CSV so business teams can open them in Excel or Google Sheets.
CSV to JSON
Turn a spreadsheet export into JSON for seeding a database or feeding into a frontend mock.
XML to JSON
Modernize legacy SOAP responses or RSS feeds into JSON for use in modern apps.
JSON to YAML
Convert API specs or config snippets into the YAML format expected by Kubernetes, Docker Compose, or GitHub Actions.
INI to JSON
Modernize old php.ini, my.cnf, or systemd unit files into JSON for programmatic editing.
CSV ↔ TSV
Switch between comma and tab delimiters when integrating with tools that prefer one over the other.
Frequently asked questions
Will converting JSON to CSV lose data?
CSV is flat — it cannot represent nested objects or arrays directly. The converter stringifies nested fields as JSON so no data is lost, but the structure changes. JSON to CSV is best for flat record-like data.
What is the difference between CSV and TSV?
Both store tabular data with a header row and one record per line. CSV uses a comma between fields; TSV uses a tab. TSV avoids the quote-escaping needed when text fields contain commas, which is why it's popular for log files and bioinformatics data.
What is YAML and why use it?
YAML is a human-readable data format used for configuration files in Docker Compose, Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, and Ansible. It expresses the same data as JSON but with less punctuation, making it easier for humans to read and edit by hand.
Where is INI still used?
INI is the classic flat key-value config format with sections. Still common in: Windows desktop apps, php.ini, MySQL my.cnf, systemd unit files, Git's gitconfig, and PostgreSQL pg_service.conf. Easy to read, easy to edit — but limited to one level of nesting.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs locally in your browser. Your data is never uploaded — safe for sensitive configs, customer exports, and internal datasets.
What is the difference between JSON and XML?
JSON is the modern standard for web APIs — lighter, faster to parse, and natural for JavaScript. XML is older, more verbose, and still common in enterprise systems, SOAP APIs, RSS feeds, and configuration of older Java apps.
Other free tools
Convert files between common formats — documents, images, data files, archives. Browser-based, no server upload required.
How to use
- 1Drop your file (or click to upload).
- 2Pick the output format from the list.
- 3Click convert — processing happens locally.
- 4Download the converted file.
Why use this tool
- All common format pairs supported.
- Local processing — confidential files stay on your device.
- No file size limit other than browser memory.
Real-world examples
CSV to JSON
Sales export from Excel → CSV uploaded → JSON output for API import.
Markdown to HTML
Quick MD → HTML for emailing without rendering.