Convert TSV to YAML on Mac
Select the TSV 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 TSV to YAML with FileFlip
Select the TSV 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 TSV. Type “YAML” to jump to it.
Choose YAML and press Return
The YAML files appear next to the originals with the same names. The TSV files stay as they are.
TSV and YAML
Like CSV, but values are separated by tabs, so commas inside values don’t need quoting. 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. TSV has no data types, so check numbers and dates after converting.
| Property | TSV | YAML |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Tab-separated values | YAML Ain’t Markup Language |
| Best for | Tables with commas in the data; pasting into spreadsheets | Configuration files |
| Opens in | Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets and most data tools | Any text editor; read by most programming languages |
| File extension | .tsv | .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 TSV to YAML, and Numbers can’t save YAML. The usual alternative is a short script.
Questions about TSV and YAML
Can I convert many TSV 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 TSV file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert YAML back to TSV?
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