Convert Text Files to QVD Format Automatically
Advanced ETL Processor is Windows software for converting Text to QVD without writing scripts. Map, validate, and transform fields visually, then run the conversion or schedule it to repeat.
Need to convert text files to QVD without scripting? Advanced ETL Processor turns CSV, tab-delimited, and fixed-width files into QVD output for QlikView and Qlik Sense. You can map fields visually and schedule QVD generation without writing Qlik scripts.
Text to QVD 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 Text input and the files or records to process.
- Map: Match source fields to the required QVD 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 It in Action
Watch a Text conversion walkthrough showing how to configure the source, map fields, and write the output in Advanced ETL Processor.
What Is QVD?
QVD (QlikView Data) is Qlik’s proprietary binary file format, optimized for fast data loading and compression. It stores both data and metadata, making it ideal for incremental loads, historical data storage, and inter-application sharing within the Qlik ecosystem.
Why Use Advanced ETL Processor?
- No Qlik scripting or custom macros needed
- Supports all major text formats: CSV, TSV, fixed-width
- Visual field mapping and transformation
- Generates clean, structured QVDs ready for reload
- Built-in job scheduler and logging
How to Convert Text Files to QVD
- Launch Advanced ETL Processor
- Set Up a Directory Connection
Point to the folder containing your text files. - Create a New Transformation
Right-click your transformation group and select New. - Configure the Text Reader
- Define file mask (e.g.
*.csv,*.txt) - Set delimiters, encoding, and headers
- Define file mask (e.g.
- Configure the QVD Writer
- Select target folder and filename structure
- Map data types for Qlik compatibility
- Map and Transform Data
- Drag and drop fields to match QVD schema
- Apply filters, cleansing rules, or formatting
- Run the Transformation
- Click Execute to generate QVD file
- Review logs for success and row count
- Automate and Schedule
- Create hourly, daily, or event-driven QVD updates
- Integrate with email alerts, file movement, or other systems
Help with your Text 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 Text to QVD?
Yes. Advanced ETL Processor can convert Text to QVD, 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 Text files at once?
Yes. Point the file reader at a folder and use a file mask so matching Text files are processed in one package.
Can the QVD 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 QVD 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 Text files conversion workflows.
References
External documentation
Try the Text to QVD conversion workflow
Download the fully functional Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise trial for Windows. Enterprise includes scheduled, unattended production execution.
Direct link, no registration required.