Export Formats

Learn about CSV, XML, and XLSX export formats and their configuration options

Overview

PrimeLink supports three export formats: CSV, XML, and XLSX. Each format has its own advantages and use cases. Choose the format that best suits your needs.

CSV Format

What is CSV?

CSV (Comma Separated Values) is a simple text format that stores tabular data. It's the most widely supported format and can be opened in Excel, Google Sheets, and any text editor.

When to Use CSV

  • Most common use case - works with almost any application
  • Best for data analysis in spreadsheet applications
  • Smallest file size
  • Fastest to generate
  • Easy to edit manually if needed

CSV Configuration Options

Delimiter

Choose the character used to separate values:

  • Comma (,): Standard CSV format (most common)
  • Semicolon (;): Used in some European locales
  • Tab: Tab-separated values (TSV format)

Character Encoding

Select the character encoding for your file:

  • UTF-8: Recommended for international characters (default)
  • UTF-8 with BOM: UTF-8 with Byte Order Mark (helps Excel recognize encoding)
  • ISO-8859-1 (Latin-1): Legacy encoding for Western European languages

CSV Example

ID,Title,SKU,Price,Stock
1,Product Name,SKU-001,99.99,100
2,Another Product,SKU-002,49.99,50

XML Format

What is XML?

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a structured text format that uses tags to define data elements. It's more verbose than CSV but provides better structure and metadata support.

When to Use XML

  • When you need structured, hierarchical data
  • For integration with systems that require XML
  • When you need to preserve data relationships
  • For data exchange between different platforms
  • When metadata and attributes are important

XML Structure

PrimeLink exports XML with a clear structure:

  • Root element contains all items
  • Each item is wrapped in an item element
  • Fields are represented as child elements
  • Supports nested structures for complex data

XML Example

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<export>
  <item>
    <id>1</id>
    <title>Product Name</title>
    <sku>SKU-001</sku>
    <price>99.99</price>
    <stock>100</stock>
  </item>
  <item>
    <id>2</id>
    <title>Another Product</title>
    <sku>SKU-002</sku>
    <price>49.99</price>
    <stock>50</stock>
  </item>
</export>

XLSX Format

What is XLSX?

XLSX is the modern Excel spreadsheet format. It's a binary format that supports formatting, multiple sheets, and advanced features. Files can be opened directly in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheet applications.

When to Use XLSX

  • When you need Excel-compatible files
  • For sharing with users who prefer Excel
  • When you need better formatting support
  • For complex data with multiple sheets (future feature)
  • When file size is not a concern

XLSX Features

  • Native Excel format - opens directly in Excel
  • Supports large datasets efficiently
  • Better handling of special characters
  • Preserves data types (numbers, dates, etc.)
  • Can include formatting (future feature)
💡 Note: XLSX format requires the PhpSpreadsheet library. If it's not available, PrimeLink will fall back to CSV format with .xlsx extension.

Format Comparison

Feature CSV XML XLSX
File Size Smallest Medium Largest
Generation Speed Fastest Fast Slower
Compatibility Universal Good Excel/Sheets
Data Structure Flat Hierarchical Tabular
Editing Easy Moderate Easy (Excel)
Best For General use Integration Excel users

Choosing the Right Format

Use CSV When:

  • You need maximum compatibility
  • File size is important
  • You're importing into another system
  • You need fast generation
  • You're doing data analysis in spreadsheets

Use XML When:

  • The target system requires XML
  • You need hierarchical data structure
  • You're doing data exchange between platforms
  • Metadata and attributes are important

Use XLSX When:

  • Recipients prefer Excel files
  • You need better data type preservation
  • File size is not a concern
  • You want native Excel compatibility

Format-Specific Tips

CSV Tips

  • Use UTF-8 encoding for international characters
  • Use UTF-8 with BOM if Excel has encoding issues
  • Choose delimiter based on your locale (comma for US, semicolon for Europe)
  • CSV files can be opened in any text editor for quick viewing

XML Tips

  • XML files are larger but more structured
  • Use XML when the target system specifically requires it
  • XML preserves data relationships better than CSV
  • Can be validated against schemas (if provided)

XLSX Tips

  • XLSX files open directly in Excel without import
  • Better for sharing with non-technical users
  • Preserves data types automatically
  • Larger file size but better user experience

Next Steps

📥 Creating Exports

Learn how to create and configure exports

Learn More →
☁️ Destinations

Export directly to cloud storage or FTP

Learn More →