Converting Excel to CSV with UTF8 encoding: A Comprehensive Guide
Excel is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data, but when it comes to sharing data with other systems or applications, CSV (Comma Separated Values) format is often the preferred choice. CSV files are lightweight, easy to read, and can be imported into various platforms without any compatibility issues. However, when dealing with data containing special characters or non-English characters, it is crucial to convert the CSV file to UTF8 encoding to ensure proper display and interpretation of the data. In this article, we will discuss the steps to convert an Excel file to CSV with UTF8 encoding.
Step 1: Preparing the Excel File
Before converting an Excel file to CSV, it is essential to ensure that the data is properly formatted. This includes removing any unnecessary columns, headers, and empty rows. It is also recommended to save the Excel file in the .xlsx format to avoid any compatibility issues.
Step 2: Saving the Excel File as CSV
Once the data is properly formatted, navigate to the File menu and select the Save As option. In the Save As window, choose the CSV (Comma delimited) format from the drop-down menu next to the Save as type option. Click Save to save the file in CSV format.
Step 3: Opening the CSV File in Notepad
To convert the CSV file to UTF8 encoding, we need to open it in a text editor like Notepad. Right-click on the CSV file and select Open with, then choose Notepad from the list of options.
Step 4: Checking the Encoding
In Notepad, click on the File menu and select Save As. In the Save As window, you will notice a drop-down menu next to the Encoding option. This is where we can change the encoding of the file. By default, it is set to ANSI, which is not suitable for special characters or non-English characters. We need to change it to UTF-8.
Step 5: Converting to UTF8 Encoding
After selecting UTF-8 encoding, click on Save to save the file. Note that saving the file in UTF-8 encoding will convert all the characters in the file to UTF-8, including the headers and the delimiter. This means that the CSV file can now handle special characters and non-English characters.
Step 6: Verifying the Encoding
To verify if the file has been converted to UTF-8 encoding, we can open it in a text editor like Notepad or Excel. If opened in Notepad, the file will display the special characters correctly. If opened in Excel, go to the Data tab and click on From Text/CSV. In the Import Text File window, select the CSV file and click Import. In the Text Import Wizard, choose UTF-8 as the file origin, and click Next. This will display the data with the special characters correctly.
In conclusion, converting an Excel file to CSV with UTF8 encoding is a simple process that ensures the proper display and interpretation of special characters and non-English characters. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily convert your Excel file to CSV with UTF8 encoding and share your data with other systems or applications without any compatibility issues.
