Convert Excel to Text File Automatically
Advanced ETL Processor is Windows software for converting Excel to Text without writing scripts. Map, validate, and transform fields visually, then run the conversion or schedule it to repeat.
Need to generate plain text files from Excel for system integration, logging, or file-based transfers? Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise allows you to convert Excel files into structured text files automatically - no coding, no VBA, and no manual export steps required. Configure it once, and run it as often as needed.
Excel to Text conversion workflow
Keep the conversion in one reusable package so field mapping, validation, output settings, and run history do not depend on a manual export checklist.
- Read: Select the Excel input and the files or records to process.
- Map: Match source fields to the required Text structure and apply transformations.
- Validate and write: Check data types, required values, formats, and rejected rows before creating the output.
- Schedule and review: Run once for testing, then schedule repeat work and use the log to investigate failures.
Watch the Process
Watch a Excel conversion walkthrough showing how to configure the source, map fields, and write the output in Advanced ETL Processor.
Why Convert Excel to Text?
Plain text files are a universal data exchange format - used by legacy systems, mainframes, APIs, EDI systems, and line-of-business tools. By automating this process, you eliminate manual exports and ensure consistent formatting for downstream processing.
Step-by-Step: Convert Excel to Text File
- Launch Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise
- Create a Directory connection pointing to your Excel file location.
- Create a new Transformation:
- Right-click a Transformation group and choose New
- Delete the default Validator object to clean up the design surface.
- Add a Data Reader:
- Select your Excel file (.xls or .xlsx)
- Choose the worksheet, range, or Excel table
- Optionally use a file mask like
*.xlsxto process multiple Excel files automatically
Supports reading from multiple sheets or files without reformatting your Excel documents.
- Add a Text File Writer:
- Select the output directory and file name (e.g.,
output.txt) - Define the field delimiter (tab, pipe, comma, etc.), text qualifier, line ending, and encoding
- Select the output directory and file name (e.g.,
- Map the Fields:
- Open the Transformer object
- Map Excel fields to output columns
- Apply transformations such as trimming, reformatting, or type casting
- Run the Conversion:
- Click Execute to generate the text file
- Review the output and inspect logs for any issues
- Automate the Process:
- Schedule the job for hourly, daily, or event-based execution
- Set up email notifications or file archiving as part of the workflow
Help with your Excel conversion
If you get stuck, ask in the support forum and include a sample input, the expected output, and the relevant log message. You can also review the conversion resources below.
FAQ
Can Advanced ETL Processor convert Excel to Text?
Yes. Advanced ETL Processor can convert Excel to Text, validate the data, and log the workflow run.
Do I need to write a script?
No scripting is required for routine conversion, validation, scheduling, and logging. Use scripts only when the rule genuinely needs custom code.
Can I convert multiple Excel files at once?
Yes. Point the file reader at a folder and use a file mask so matching Excel files are processed in one package.
Can the Text output be created on a schedule?
Yes. The Enterprise edition can run the package on a schedule or as part of a larger ETL process, then write the Text output with the same naming and validation rules each time.
What should I check before the first production run?
Check headers, data types, date formats, decimal separators, encodings, empty values, and output file naming.
When should I not automate this conversion yet?
Do not automate it until source columns, data types, output naming, and error handling are clear. Conversion repeats rules; it does not repair vague ones.
Can I try it before buying?
Yes. Download the fully functional 30-day trial and build one small conversion package first.
Useful links
Start with the Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise overview, then download the fully functional 30-day trial. The convert-data hub lists the other Excel conversion workflows.
References
External documentation
Related tutorials and articles
Try the Excel to Text conversion workflow
Download the fully functional Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise trial for Windows. Enterprise includes scheduled, unattended production execution.
Direct link, no registration required.