Convert CSV to YAML on Mac
Select the CSV files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose YAML and press Return. FileFlip saves each YAML next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert CSV to YAML with FileFlip
Select the CSV files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from CSV. Type “YAML” to jump to it.
Choose YAML and press Return
The YAML files appear next to the originals with the same names. The CSV files stay as they are.
CSV and YAML
CSV has no structure beyond rows and columns, which code and config files often need. YAML is easy to read and edit by hand, which is why it’s used for configuration files.
What changes when you convert
- Each row becomes a record. CSV has no data types, so check numbers and dates after converting.
| Property | CSV | YAML |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Comma-separated values | YAML Ain’t Markup Language |
| Best for | Moving tables between spreadsheets, databases and tools | Configuration files |
| Opens in | Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets and most databases | Any text editor; read by most programming languages |
| File extension | .csv | .yaml, .yml |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Saves |
Other ways on a Mac
Here’s what you can do with what’s already on your Mac.
No built-in converter
macOS doesn’t include an app that converts CSV to YAML, and Numbers can’t save YAML. The usual alternative is a short script.
Questions about CSV and YAML
Can I convert many CSV files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose YAML. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the YAML file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .yaml extension. The CSV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert YAML back to CSV?
No. FileFlip saves YAML files but doesn’t open them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a folder of data files at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, video, audio, PDFs and documents. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac