Convert TSV to XML on Mac

Select the TSV files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose XML and press Return. FileFlip saves each XML next to its original and works without an internet connection.

Coming soon for MacComing soon · macOS 14 Sonoma or later

How to convert TSV to XML with FileFlip

  1. Select the TSV files

    In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.

  2. Press ⌥ F

    FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from TSV. Type “XML” to jump to it.

  3. Choose XML and press Return

    The XML files appear next to the originals with the same names. The TSV files stay as they are.

TSV and XML

Like CSV, but values are separated by tabs, so commas inside values don’t need quoting. Some systems, feeds and integrations only accept XML.

What changes when you convert

  • Each row becomes a record. TSV has no data types, so check numbers and dates after converting.
TSV compared with XML
PropertyTSVXML
Full nameTab-separated valuesExtensible Markup Language
Best forTables with commas in the data; pasting into spreadsheetsSystems and integrations that expect XML
Opens inExcel, Numbers, Google Sheets and most data toolsAny text editor and most programming languages
File extension.tsv.xml
In FileFlipOpens and savesSaves

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 TSV to XML, and Numbers can’t save XML. The usual alternative is a short script.

Questions about TSV and XML

Can I convert many TSV files at once?

Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose XML. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.

Where is the XML file saved?

Next to the original, with the same name and the .xml extension. The TSV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.

Can I convert XML back to TSV?

No. FileFlip saves XML 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