How to Convert YAML to CSV
YAML is great for writing structured data by hand, but when you need to analyse it in a spreadsheet, CSV is the format that just works. This converter bridges the two. It parses your YAML with a real parser — handling block and flow style, quoted strings and comments — then flattens a list of mappings into rows. It scans every record to build one set of columns, so entries with slightly different fields still line up, with missing values left blank. Fields that contain the delimiter, quotes or line breaks are quoted the RFC-4180 way, and nested structures are preserved as compact JSON. Pick a comma or semicolon, then copy or download. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Paste your YAML
Paste a list of mappings or load the sample; it's parsed locally with nothing uploaded.
Pick the delimiter
Choose a comma or a semicolon to match your target spreadsheet.
Copy or download
Grab the CSV with one tap or save it as a .csv file.
YAML vs CSV — What's the Difference?
YAML — YAML Ain't Markup Language
A human-friendly, indentation-based format that can represent nested structures, lists and typed values. It's ideal for configuration and hand-authored data, but it isn't tabular, so spreadsheets can't read it directly.
CSV — comma-separated values
A flat, universally supported tabular format where each line is a row and commas separate columns. Nearly every spreadsheet and database can import it. Converting YAML to CSV flattens your structured data into a table ready for analysis.
Common Use Cases
Analyse config data
Turn a YAML dataset into CSV to sort, filter and chart it in a spreadsheet.
Spreadsheet imports
Produce CSV that opens cleanly in Excel or Google Sheets from a YAML source.
Reporting
Flatten YAML records into a table for reports and dashboards.
European locales
Use semicolon output for CSVs that open correctly in comma-decimal regions.
Data migration
Move YAML-defined data into systems that ingest CSV.
Bulk review
See many YAML records as a grid to spot gaps and inconsistencies.
Hand-off to non-devs
Give teammates a familiar CSV instead of YAML they may not read.
Quick transforms
A fast, no-install way to reshape YAML into tabular data.
Tips & Best Practices
Use a list of mappings
A top-level YAML list where each item is a mapping converts most cleanly — each mapping becomes a row.
Keep keys consistent
Consistent key names across records keep the columns tidy; differing keys are unioned with blanks.
Pick the right delimiter
Use commas for most tools; switch to semicolons if your spreadsheet uses a comma as the decimal separator.
Flatten nested data first
Deeply nested values are kept as JSON text; flatten them beforehand for separate columns.
Mind indentation
YAML relies on consistent spaces; a stray indent can change the structure before it reaches CSV.
Troubleshooting
It says expected a list of mappings
The tool needs a YAML mapping or a list of mappings. A bare list of scalars has no columns to build from — wrap each item in key/value pairs.
A cell shows JSON text
That value was a nested mapping or list, kept as compact JSON so nothing is lost. Flatten it first for separate columns.
Some cells are empty
Those records didn't have that key. Columns are unioned across all records, so missing values appear as empty cells.
The structure looks wrong
Almost always an indentation problem. Use consistent spaces (not tabs) so the YAML parses into the records you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert YAML to CSV for free?
Paste your YAML list of mappings above and CSV appears instantly. Copy it or download a .csv file — free, no signup.
What YAML shape does it expect?
A list of mappings works best, where each mapping is a row. A single mapping is treated as one row too.
What if my records have different keys?
Every key across all records becomes a column, and any record missing a key gets an empty cell, keeping the table aligned.
Does it handle nested YAML?
Yes. Nested mappings and lists are preserved as compact JSON inside a cell so no data is lost.
Does it support flow style?
Yes. Inline flow collections like [a, b] and { x: 1 } are understood alongside block style.
Are quotes and commas handled in CSV?
Yes. Any field containing the delimiter, a quote or a line break is wrapped in quotes and inner quotes are escaped.
Can I use a semicolon delimiter?
Yes. Choose semicolon output for spreadsheets and locales that use a comma as the decimal separator.
Will the CSV open in Excel?
Yes. The output imports cleanly into Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers and any CSV-aware tool.
What about comments in my YAML?
Comments after a # are stripped during parsing and never appear in the CSV.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Everything happens inside your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
Can I download the result?
Yes. Save the output as a .csv file, or copy it straight to your clipboard.
How large a file can it handle?
It comfortably converts lists with many hundreds of records, all in your browser.
What if my YAML is invalid?
You'll get a clear message instead of broken output. The usual culprits are inconsistent indentation or an unclosed quote.
Does it preserve empty values?
Yes. Empty or missing values become empty cells so your columns stay aligned.
Does it work on phones?
Yes, in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Android or iPhone with nothing to install.
Is this converter really free?
Completely free, forever — no account, no ads and no premium wall.
100% free · No signup · Processed in your browser · Data never sent
Last updated: August 2026 · FlipMyFormat YAML to CSV Converter
Written and maintained by the FlipMyFormat team · Runs entirely in your browser