How to Convert SQLite to CSV File? Export SQLite Database

Due to several reasons, nowadays we are getting queries about learning how to convert SQLite to CSV file format. Users must be in need to export their SQLite database files in the CSV format for sharing & other purposes.

This blog is going to mention the best ways possible for them to convert SQLite database to CSV format along with the features of the solution. We are sure that by following the right steps, users get achieve the result they desire.

Note: To convert SQLite data to CSV format, users can use the sqlite3 command-line tool or a GUI tool like SysTools software, SQLite Studio, or DB Browser for SQLite. The sqlite3 tool involves setting the output mode to CSV, specifying the output file, and then executing your SELECT query. GUI tools offer more user-friendly interfaces for selecting the database, tables, and CSV options.

3 Ways to Export SQLite to CSV File Format

Now, we have three ways to execute this task without any hassles. However, choosing the right solution depends on the requirements of users. Now, here we have the SQLite studio method & the advanced utility method. Both can execute the operation but with different features, benefits, & drawbacks.

• SQLite Studio – An Open source solution that can help users only view, & export/import the database files.
• Automated Utility – Not an Open source solution but provides advanced analysis options, export options, repair & recovery capabilities.
• SQLite3 command tool – A way for advanced users to utilize commands to get data in CSV file format.
• Users can select any of them based on their requirements & software’s capabilities.

How to Convert SQLite to CSV File Using SQLite Studio?

SQLite studio is a basic solution for such tasks. Here, users can export the SQLite database files to the CSV file format with ease. However, users might get various features to do effective analysis for the same. Using this tool, one can export SQLite database to Excel format. The steps for the same are mentioned below.

Step-1. Launch SQLite Studio > Click on Database > Click on Add a Database option.

Step-2. Browse and Add SQLite File from the system to continue further.

Step-3. Now, Click on Test Connection  & then on Ok button to continue. 

Step-4. Click on the Tools & then Hit the Export button.

Step-5. Select the Database & Table name here.

Step-6. Now, Select the Single Table option here.

Step-7. Select the Destination format & Click on the Finish button.

Convert SQLite DB to CSV Step-by-Step Automatically

The best-in-class SysTools SQLite Recovery is the solution that experts & MVPs recommend instead of SQL Studio. This is because of the easy solution & a plethora of features provided by the tool.

Online Video:

Follow the steps below to convert SQLite database to CSV without any hassles.

Step-1. Launch the Tool & Click on Add File option.

Step-2. Browse & Add SQLite File from the system. 

Step-3. Preview the Database Content prior to exporting.

Step-4. Hit the CSV Icon to convert SQLite to CSV format.

Why an Automated Solution is Better than the SQLite Studio?

There can be several reasons why users should opt for the automated utility. To complement this statement, here are some of the most useful features of the automated utility for users to keep in mind.

1. Repair & recover damaged or corrupted SQLite database files with ease.
2. Recover even the deleted data objects back in the database after repair.
3. Supports multiple SQLite formats; .sqlite, .sqlite2, .sqlite3, .db2, & .db3.
4. Previews all database objects like table, column, trigger, views, etc easily.
5. Allow users to export SQLite to CSV file format if required by the users.
6. Also convert SQLite to PDF format also for easy sharing & archiving uses.
7. Allow users to search for records within the utility using SQLite commands.
8. Windows OS 7, 8, 10, 11 & Windows Server 2012, 2016, 2019 etc supported.

Export SQLite Database to CSV Using SQLite3 Tool

SQLite shell interactive commands can also configure the export of data into CSV. The procedure is explained below:

1. Start the SQLite database: sqlite3 your_database.db

• This command is used to open the database file in interactive mode.

2. Set output mode to CSV: .mode csv

• This dot-command sets the output format to CSV.
• Following this, the result of any query will be displayed in comma-separated values.

3. Enable column headers: .headers on

• With this, the output will have the column names as the first row.
• This is equivalent to the -header command-line option.

4. Redirect output to a file: .output your_data.csv

• From now on, all results from queries will be redirected to the file indicated earlier.
• The output is written to this file rather than being displayed on the screen.
• It doesn’t yet trigger any export.

5. Execute your query: SELECT * FROM your_table;

• This is where the actual data export begins.
• Results will be written to the file in CSV format.

6. Reset the output: .output stdout

• It returns the output back to the terminal and stops redirecting to the file.

7. Exit the shell: .quit

• This command terminates the database connection and the SQLite shell.
• And now you have the final file after exporting SQLite database to CSV.

Full Example Code:

sqlite3 your_database.db
.mode csv
.headers on
.output your_data.csv
SELECT * FROM your_table;
.output stdout
.quit

Another Method: Using DB Browser for SQLite

1. Open DB Browser for SQLite and connect to the SQLite database.
2. Go to the “Execute SQL” tab and runs the SELECT query.
3. Click the “Export to CSV” icon (which looks like a page and a floppy disk).
4. Provide the output file name and any CSV options that are needed (for example: field separator, quote character, etc.).
5. Clicks on the “Save” button.

Wrapping It Up

After understanding both the solutions to Convert SQLite to CSV file format, we are here at the end to conclude this article. Based on our previous experiences, we can say that not all users need to opt for the same solution.

Based on the requirements, users can opt for the right utility. Users who need specific outcomes, recovery& repair features, & analysis capabilities must choose the automated tool. Rest, users who just want basic conversion can go with the manual one.