Convert TSV to YAML Online Free
Transform tab-separated data into structured YAML sequences. Each TSV row becomes a YAML mapping with column headers as keys. Ready for DevOps tools and configuration files.
To convert TSV to YAML, drop your .tsv file onto the ChangeThisFile converter. Tab-separated headers become YAML keys and each row becomes a mapping in a YAML sequence. This free, browser-based tool processes your data locally and never uploads it to any server.
Convert TSV to YAML
Drop your TSV file here to convert it instantly
Drag & drop your .tsv file here, or click to browse
Convert to YAML instantly
TSV vs YAML: Format Comparison
Key differences between the two formats
| Feature | TSV | YAML |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Flat rows separated by tabs | Hierarchical with mappings and sequences |
| Data types | All values are text | Strings, numbers, booleans, null, dates |
| Nesting | Not supported | Unlimited depth with indentation |
| Comments | Not supported | Supported with # syntax |
| Readability | Columnar, best in spreadsheets | Human-friendly with meaningful indentation |
| Editing tools | Spreadsheets, text editors | Code editors with YAML support |
| Primary use | Data exchange, Unix tools, spreadsheets | Configuration, DevOps, Ansible, Kubernetes |
When to Convert
Common scenarios where this conversion is useful
Creating Ansible inventory from spreadsheets
Export host lists from Excel or Google Sheets as TSV and convert to YAML for Ansible inventory files or group variables.
Building YAML fixtures from test data
Convert tabular test data copied from spreadsheets into YAML fixtures for Rails, Django, or other frameworks that load YAML test data.
Generating static site data files
Convert TSV data exports into YAML files for Jekyll, Hugo, or Eleventy static site generators that use YAML for structured content.
Kubernetes resource definitions from tables
Convert tabular resource specifications into YAML structure as a starting point for Kubernetes manifests and Helm chart values.
How to Convert TSV to YAML
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1
Drop your TSV file
Drag and drop your .tsv file onto the converter, or click to browse. The parser automatically detects tab delimiters.
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2
Instant conversion
The first row provides YAML keys. Each subsequent row becomes a dash-prefixed mapping in a YAML sequence. Numeric and boolean values are auto-typed.
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3
Download your YAML
Click Download to save the .yaml file. The output uses standard 2-space indentation with proper YAML formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first row of your TSV becomes the key names in each YAML mapping. For example, headers 'host' and 'port' produce YAML entries with 'host:' and 'port:' keys.
Yes. Values that look like integers or floats are output as unquoted YAML numbers. '42' becomes 42 and '3.14' becomes 3.14.
Values matching 'true', 'false', 'yes', 'no' are converted to YAML boolean types. If you need them as strings, quote them in the source TSV.
The output uses block style with 2-space indentation. Each row becomes a dash-prefixed entry in a YAML sequence of mappings.
Yes. Spreadsheet copy-paste uses tab separation. Save the pasted content as a .tsv file and convert it here.
Empty cells become null values in the YAML output. Completely blank rows are skipped.
Yes. Values containing YAML-special characters like colons, hashes, and brackets are automatically quoted in the YAML output.
The number of columns is determined by the header row. Rows with fewer values get null for the missing columns. Extra values beyond the header count are ignored.
The converter handles files with tens of thousands of rows. Large files produce proportionally large YAML output.
Yes. The conversion happens entirely in your browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server, making it safe for sensitive information.
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