Understanding CSV, XML, TSV, and Excel File Formats 

CSV, XML, TSV, and Excel are the most commonly used file types for importing and exporting eCommerce store data from one platform to another. 

When moving data from your online store to a different one, it is essential to grasp the distinctions between these formats and select the right one. Here’s a breakdown of these file types and their key differences.

CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

A CSV, or comma-separated values file, is a text file format in which the data entered is organized in rows and columns, separated by commas. It is one of the simplest and most widely used formats for structuring and exchanging data.   

Any file that ends with a “.csv” extension is a CSV file. You can open CSV files with simple text editors like Notepad or tools like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

CSV file

A typical CSV file 

CSV files are well-suited to handle basic data migration tasks in eCommerce, such as importing and exporting product information, customer data, order details, etc.

Some benefits of CSV files include:

  • Easy to create, read, and edit
  • Compatible with most platforms and software programs
  • Lightweight and small file size for quick transfer
  • Transparent and least susceptible to errors

Drawbacks: CSV only supports simple tabular data and cannot represent complex data structures like nested or hierarchical information. It also has limited formatting options and lacks support for metadata.

👉 Also Read: How to Import and Export WordPress Users Using a CSV file?

XML (Extensible Markup Language)

An XML file is a text-based file that structures data for storage and interchange. It encodes data in a hierarchical format using tags to describe the components and structure of the file. 

XML files are a combination of tags and text. The tags are machine-readable and represent the data type and how to structure it. The text indicates the data that is being stored. 

XML files use the “.xml” extension. You can open XML files with advanced text editors like Notepad++ or XML Notepad, as well as with tools like Microsoft Excel and browsers like Google Chrome, Apple Safari, etc. 

XML file

Example of an XML file 

XML files are suitable for complex data structures, including nested or hierarchical data such as product categories, attributes, customer addresses, etc.

The advantages of XML file types include:

  • Flexible and allows custom tags and complex data structures
  • Self-descriptive with tags to represent data 
  • Widely supported with various systems and applications
  • Can be quickly validated for accuracy

Drawbacks: XML files can be more lengthy and extensive than CSV due to the use of tags. It also requires more effort to parse and process. 

TSV (Tab-Separated Values)

A TSV, or tab-separated values, is a text-based file that stores data in a tabular format. It is similar to CSV files, which store data in columns and rows but use tabs instead of commas to separate data.

You can use text editors like Notepad++ or Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, etc., to open TSV files. 

TSV file

A sample TSV file

In eCommerce applications, TSV files are more suited for data exchange involving large data sets, especially those that handle tab-delimited data.

Some of its key advantages include:

  • A cleaner and more easily readable format than CSV
  • Lightweight and small size for easy handling and transfer
  • Less risk of delimiter conflicts as tabs separate fields
  • Easy to parse and process and compatible with many applications

Drawbacks: Like CSV, TSV files don’t support complex data structures or hierarchies and offer no support for metadata.

Excel (Microsoft Excel)

Excel is a spreadsheet file format created by Microsoft Excel. It organizes data into cells, rows, and columns and is one of the most popular file types for storing, analyzing, visualizing, and migrating data. 

Excel files are typically saved with extensions like “.xls” or “.xlsx.” You can open Excel files using other applications like Google Sheets, Apple Numbers, WPS Office, OpenOffice Calc, etc. 

Excel file

An Excel file

In data migration for eCommerce, excel’s spreadsheet format enables the proper organization of product data, customer information, order history, and other related details.

Here are some of the pros of using Excel file type:

  • Easy to use and understand with its straightforward interface
  • Rich built-in features for data analysis
  • Supports various data types and formatting options
  • Easily organize data in multiple sheets

Drawbacks: Excel offers limited scalability and is inefficient for handling large data sets. File sizes are large, and there are compatibility issues with some platforms. 

👉 Also Read: How to Import and Export Products from Excel to WooCommerce?