Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

With SheetJS Community Edition, convert a worksheet—not an entire multi-sheet workbook—to CSV using XLSX.utils.sheet_to_csv(ws, opts). Choose the sheet deliberately, then set the options that determine which rows appear, how dates are formatted, and whether the output suits its destination.

1. Choose the worksheet you intend to export

CSV is a flat-text representation of one table, so a workbook with multiple sheets needs a clear selection decision. SheetJS’s sheet_to_csv utility takes a worksheet object and returns a JavaScript string. A typical pattern is to look up the desired sheet name in workbook.Sheets:

const sheetName = "Orders";
const worksheet = workbook.Sheets[sheetName];

if (!worksheet) {
  throw new Error(`Worksheet not found: ${sheetName}`);
}

const csv = XLSX.utils.sheet_to_csv(worksheet);

If you want every worksheet, export each one separately and preserve the sheet name in your output filenames or other destination metadata. Do not concatenate separate sheets into one CSV unless they have compatible columns and your receiving system expects a single table. See the SheetJS CSV and Text API and its data export guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

2. Match the CSV shape to the receiving system

The default field separator is a comma, and the default record separator is a newline. The options object lets you change the format and decide how empty or hidden data is handled.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Jump Drive, Champagne Silver
  • USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
  • Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
  • Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
  • Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
  • Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Option Default Effect
FS Comma Sets the field separator between cells.
RS Newline Sets the record separator between rows.
blankrows true Includes blank lines; set to false to omit them.
skipHidden false Includes hidden rows and columns; set to true to skip them.
dateNF Sets the number format used to render dates in string output.
strip Removes trailing field separators.
forceQuotes false Quotes every cell when set to true.

Set only the options your export needs. For example, a semicolon-separated export without blank rows can be generated with XLSX.utils.sheet_to_csv(worksheet, { FS: ";", blankrows: false }). Check the exact delimiter, empty-row policy, and visibility rules expected by the system that will consume the file. The full option definitions are in the CSV and Text API documentation.

3. Know the difference between a string and a file

XLSX.utils.sheet_to_csv returns a JavaScript string and does not include a byte-order mark (BOM). SheetJS’s general CSV file-writing route includes a UTF-8 BOM for Excel compatibility. That matters when choosing how to deliver the export: a receiving application may treat a BOM differently from a plain string’s first character.

Rank #2
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Flair, USB-A Flash Drive, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds
  • High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
  • Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
  • Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
  • Sleek, durable metal casing
  • Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]

Use the string utility when the next step in your application needs text. For a file-oriented workflow, SheetJS also supports CSV output through XLSX.write and XLSX.writeFile. Confirm which route you are using before diagnosing an unexpected leading character or encoding behavior. See CSV and Text and Writing Files.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

4. Dates are formatted text in CSV

CSV does not preserve Excel’s rich date type or the spreadsheet’s display behavior. Spreadsheet dates are commonly stored as numeric date codes paired with number formats; when exported to plaintext, dates are rendered as strings. Use dateNF to choose the date format for string output, and verify that the receiving system interprets that format as intended.

Rank #3
2 Pack 64GB USB Flash Drive USB 2.0 Thumb Drives Jump Drive Fold Storage Memory Stick Swivel Design - Black
  • What You Get - 2 pack 64GB genuine USB 2.0 flash drives, 12-month warranty and lifetime friendly customer service
  • Great for All Ages and Purposes – the thumb drives are suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies and other files
  • Easy to Use - Plug and play USB memory stick, no need to install any software. Support Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
  • Convenient Design - 360°metal swivel cap with matt surface and ring designed zip drive can protect USB connector, avoid to leave your fingerprint and easily attach to your key chain to avoid from losing and for easy carrying
  • Brand Yourself - Brand the flash drive with your company's name and provide company's overview, policies, etc. to the newly joined employees or your customers

Do not assume that a CSV date will remain a typed date value or display exactly as it did in Excel. SheetJS documents date formatting and writer behavior in its CSV utility options and writing options.

5. Hidden rows and columns are included unless configured otherwise

By default, hidden rows and columns are rendered in CSV output. Set skipHidden: true when the export should omit hidden data:

Rank #4
SIMMAX 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives Swivel Thumb Drive Pen Drive (32GB Purple)
  • GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
  • BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
  • EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
  • TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
  • WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
const csv = XLSX.utils.sheet_to_csv(worksheet, { skipHidden: true });

This only works as expected if the visibility settings are available to the text processor. SheetJS’s read and readFile methods do not save row and column settings by default; set cellStyles when reading if you need those settings retained. Check the Reading Files options alongside the CSV utility options.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

6. Quoting protects delimiters, not every interpretation

SheetJS automatically wraps fields containing the field or record separator in double quotes. To quote every cell, set forceQuotes: true. This controls CSV quoting, but it does not prevent spreadsheet software or another importer from interpreting plaintext values according to its own rules when the file is opened.

Best Value
IMEASON Swivel Design 16GB USB Flash Drive with Keychain, USB 2.0 Portable Thumb Drive Memory Stick, FAT32 Format Flashdrive for Data Storage, Photos, Music, Files (Black, 16 GB)
  • 【16GB Flash Drive】USB flash drives with 16GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer. IMEASON thumb drives can be used to store different files, easy to data backup.
  • 【Metal Swivel Cap Design】USB thumb drive is metal swivel cover provides extra protection for the usb thumbdrive connector, no usb drive cap to lose; keychain design makes it easier to carry without worrying lose it.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】USB drive supports Windows 7/8/10/11 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also Supports USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports. USB Stick support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device. The USB Memory Stick is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working.
  • 【Easy to use】usb memory stick is plug and play without any software installation. Just simply plug the Flashdrive into the port of your USB-compatible devices such as computer, laptop to start data storage or transmission.
  • 【What You Get】16 GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, The default format of the usb storage flash drive is FAT32.

Formula handling also depends on how the workbook was parsed. For some file formats, cellFormula must be enabled to extract formulae. The conversion documentation does not establish that CSV export recalculates formulas, so do not rely on export itself to refresh formula results. Review the parser options and data export guidance for the relevant workflow.

When the input is delimited text

If your source is a legacy or ambiguous delimited file rather than an Excel workbook, parsing is a separate concern from CSV writing. SheetJS uses delimiter heuristics for some inputs, and an explicit FS can be supplied when needed. Codepage configuration matters for some older formats and for CSV input without a BOM when reading in binary mode; consult the Reading Files documentation and File Formats.

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.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.