Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For direct Excel-to-CSV conversion on Linux, use csvkit’s in2csv or Gnumeric’s ssconvert. Miller’s mlr is useful after conversion for filtering, reshaping, or combining tabular files; its documented inputs do not include Excel workbooks. The loops below create one CSV per workbook. Test a representative file first, especially if workbooks contain multiple sheets, dates, formulas, or specially formatted numbers.
Choose the right tool for the job
| Need | Tool | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Convert XLS or XLSX worksheet data to CSV and select sheets | in2csv (csvkit) |
Its current reference documents XLS/XLSX input, sheet listing and selection, and exporting selected or all sheets. csvkit in2csv reference |
| Script conversions across spreadsheet formats Gnumeric can handle | ssconvert (Gnumeric) |
The Gnumeric manual documents scripted conversion and runtime importer/exporter listings. Gnumeric: Converting Files |
| Filter, reshape, sort, or combine records after conversion | mlr (Miller) |
Miller documents CSV, TSV, JSON, JSON Lines, and other record formats, but not Excel workbook input. Miller 6.22.0 documentation |
For a one-workbook-to-one-CSV batch, use a shell loop with either in2csv or ssconvert. Miller can read multiple converted CSV files as one stream, which is useful for downstream work, but that is different from writing a separate output for each workbook.
Prepare the tools on Linux
Install csvkit
csvkit’s installation guide documents pip install csvkit and recommends using a virtual environment. Distribution package names and versions vary, so consult your Linux distribution’s package manager if you prefer system packages. Confirm that in2csv is available by checking its local help or running in2csv --version. csvkit 2.2.0 documentation
Install Gnumeric and check ssconvert
Install Gnumeric using your distribution’s package manager, then check that the command-line converter is present with ssconvert --help or man ssconvert. The Gnumeric project homepage reports version 1.12.62, released in September 2026, but the options on your system depend on the installed package. Gnumeric project homepage
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Install Miller for downstream processing
Install Miller using the method supported by your distribution or the project’s installation instructions. Check mlr --version and mlr --help locally; the examples below assume Miller 6-style command syntax. Miller 6.22.0 documentation
Batch-convert workbooks with csvkit
Run this from the directory containing your XLSX workbooks. Quoted variables preserve spaces and other shell-special characters in filenames; the existence check makes the loop harmless if the glob finds no matches.
for f in ./*.xlsx; do
[ -e "$f" ] || continue
in2csv "$f" > "${f%.xlsx}.csv"
doneFor legacy XLS workbooks, use a separate loop and change the suffix:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
for f in ./*.xls; do
[ -e "$f" ] || continue
in2csv "$f" > "${f%.xls}.csv"
doneThese loops write beside the source workbooks. For safer reruns or to keep source and output files apart, create a dedicated output directory and adjust the destination path. Avoid a broad input glob that could pick up previously generated files.
Select or export workbook sheets
List a workbook’s sheet names before converting when it has multiple worksheets:
in2csv --names "workbook.xlsx"To convert one named worksheet, specify its name:
in2csv --sheet 'Sheet Name' "workbook.xlsx" > "workbook-sheet.csv"The reference also documents --write-sheets - to write all sheets and --use-sheet-names to use worksheet names in output filenames. Try those options on a sample workbook first and check the generated filenames and output directory before applying them to a batch. csvkit in2csv reference
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Batch-convert workbooks with Gnumeric
For one CSV per XLSX workbook, run:
for f in ./*.xlsx; do
[ -e "$f" ] || continue
ssconvert "$f" "${f%.xlsx}.csv"
doneFor XLS files, replace *.xlsx with *.xls and ${f%.xlsx} with ${f%.xls}. In normal use, ssconvert selects an output format from the output filename extension. Gnumeric’s manual describes scripted conversion of large numbers of files. Gnumeric: Converting Files
If you need a particular importer or exporter, inspect the formats supported by your installed version:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →ssconvert --list-importers
ssconvert --list-exportersThen consult man ssconvert for the options available on that system. An archived manual for Gnumeric 1.12.57 documents CSV separator settings, recalculation, and output formatting choices including format=raw and format=preserve. Check the installed manual before relying on those options: formatting choices can change how values such as dates and numbers are represented. Gnumeric 1.12.57 converter manual
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Use Miller after conversion
Miller is for record data rather than direct workbook conversion. For example, convert a CSV file to tab-separated output with:
mlr --icsv --otsv cat input.csv > output.tsvTo process multiple CSV files with the same schema as one input stream, you can run:
mlr --csv stats1 -a count input-*.csvMiller treats command-line files as one stream and avoids repeating CSV headers when processing them together. Use the earlier per-workbook loops when you need separate output files rather than a combined stream. Miller 6.22.0 documentation
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Check conversion results before scaling up
- Pilot the batch. Convert at least one representative XLS and one XLSX if both formats are in your directory. Open or inspect the CSV outputs before processing the rest.
- Confirm the worksheet. List sheet names or deliberately select a sheet; a workbook’s first sheet may not be the one you intend to export.
- Compare values that depend on spreadsheet semantics. Check dates, identifiers with leading zeros, decimals, formulas, blank cells, and non-ASCII text against the workbook. CSV is a data representation, not a guarantee that Excel formulas or display formatting will be preserved as they appear in a spreadsheet.
- Check delimiters and quoting. Values containing commas, quotes, or newlines need correct CSV quoting for the software that will read the output. Miller documents CSV and CSV-lite behavior, including handling of embedded delimiters and line endings. Miller 6.22.0 documentation
- Keep inputs and outputs distinct. A dedicated output directory reduces the risk that a later run will treat generated CSV files as new inputs.
- Make failures visible. Check the command’s exit status and record which input failed; do not assume a completed loop means every workbook converted successfully.
Understand differences in values and formatting
Two workbooks that look alike in Excel may produce different CSV values. csvkit explicitly warns: “If an XLS looks identical to an XLSX when viewed in Excel, they may not be identical as CSV.” Its documented example is an integer that may be emitted without decimals from XLSX but with decimals from a visually similar XLS workbook. csvkit in2csv reference
csvkit also uses CSV dialect sniffing and type inference. Its documentation notes that inference can occasionally be wrong and recommends --snifflimit 0 and --no-inference when those CSV-handling features are not needed. These settings concern csvkit’s CSV handling; they should not be treated as a fix for differences in how Excel workbook values are represented during conversion. csvkit 2.2.0 documentation
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
