A text to CSV converter is a free online tool that turns a plain-text list (one item per line) into valid comma-separated values. Choose your delimiter (comma, semicolon, tab or pipe), control field quoting for items that contain the delimiter, then paste your list or upload a .txt file and download a spreadsheet-ready .csv.
How do I convert a text list to CSV?
Short answer: Paste your list with one item per line into the box above, pick a delimiter such as comma or semicolon, choose a quoting mode, and press Convert. Each non-empty line becomes one CSV row. Copy the result or download it as a .csv file that opens directly in Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, or any database import tool.
Pick the delimiter your destination expects: comma is the universal default, semicolon is standard in locales that use commas as decimal separators, tab produces TSV for pasting into spreadsheets, and pipe works when your data contains both commas and semicolons.
What happens if a list item contains a comma?
Short answer: With smart quoting on, any item containing the delimiter, a quote mark, or a line break is wrapped in double quotes, and inner quotes are doubled per RFC 4180. That keeps an item like Doe, John as a single field. Choose Quote every field for strict importers, or Never quote only when no item contains the delimiter.
The converter also handles quoted items you paste in: surrounding quotes on a line are treated as literal characters and re-quoted correctly, so nothing is lost or double-escaped.
Can I make a multi-column CSV from a list?
Short answer: This tool maps one line to one column, which covers checklists, email lists, keyword lists, and inventory SKUs. If your lines already contain a separator you want to split on, convert first and then run the result through the CSV Column Splitter. For genuine multi-column data, the CSV Table Viewer accepts pasted tables directly.
Need structured output instead? Send the converted CSV to the CSV to JSON tool to get a JSON array with one object per line.
Frequently asked questions
Is this text to CSV converter free?
Yes. Convert unlimited lists with no account, no watermark, and no daily caps. It runs entirely in your browser.
Which delimiter should I choose?
Comma is the default and works almost everywhere. Use semicolon if your spreadsheet locale uses commas as decimal separators, tab for TSV output, or pipe when your items contain both commas and semicolons.
How are commas inside my items handled?
Smart quoting wraps any item containing the delimiter, a quote, or a line break in double quotes, doubling inner quotes per RFC 4180. The field stays intact when opened in Excel or Google Sheets.
Can I upload a .txt file instead of pasting?
Yes. Use the upload button to read a .txt file from your device. The file is read locally in your browser and never sent anywhere.
Will my list be uploaded anywhere?
No. Conversion happens locally on your device, including uploaded files. Your list never leaves your browser.