Top Methods to Export SQL Table to CSV File

Summary: When DBAs and other SQL users desire to make their data portable, readable, and usable across systems. Then, they export SQL table to CSV, a universally compatible and simple file format that contains rows and columns separated by commas. Yet, considering all, it is essential to understand how to perform this export accurately. So, deep dive into this blog and examine the best possible ways. Furthermore, study a SQL Database Recovery Tool for no-trouble and convenient data export. Download Now Purchase Now

Export SQL Server Table to CSV File- Needs

Beyond portability, the additional beneficial reasons to export table data into CSV file are:

• Auditing and protecting data through local backups.
• Exchanging a clean, clear, and concise dataset with teams.
• Swift migration of SQL data to other cloud platforms or data analysis tools.
• You can read and edit CSV files in many applications (Excel/Sheets/etc).
• Due to their flat structure and vulnerable nature, CSV files have more data storage capacity.

With the reasons stated, learn that the way to export impacts data formatting, integrity, and platform compatibility. So, identifying the best no-code solution and technical approaches is a must.

Ultimate Solutions to Export SQL Table to CSV File

As you need reliable solutions, we have jotted down both manual and professional methods that will help with the same. Along with that, get to know the scope and limits of these methods in brief.

Manually Export All Tables from SQL Server to CSV

We will follow the two different methods in this section for free table export to CSV. The step-by-step procedure for each of them is given below.

Method 1: Convert SQL Server Data to CSV with SSMS

1. To use, ensure SQL Server Management Studio is installed on your Windows OS.
2. Secondly, check that it is connected to a database server instance.
3. If yes, right-click Database. Then, pick Tasks and opt for Export Data.
4. Now, choose the data source: SQL Server Native Client 11.0 and press Next.
5. Further, set the target location to Flat File Destination and tap Next.
6. In the following window of the SQL Server Import and Export wizard, press Browse and pick a folder where to save.
7. After that, input a name, pick CSV as the saving format, and click Open.
8. Select other options as needed and click Next. Preview and fulfil other settings and hit Finish.

Method 2: Export SQL Table to CSV by T-SQL Commands

1. Open a New Query window in SSMS or any other SQL Query Editor.
2. Then, input the following query and execute it:

SELECT col1, col2, col3 FROM your_tablename WHERE condition = ‘tablevalue’;

3. Afterward, you have two ways to export data from table to CSV file:

#By BCP (Bulk Copy Program Utility) Command: bcp “SELECT col1, col2, col3 FROM your_tablename WHERE condition = ‘tablevalue’” queryout “C:outputfilepath.csv” -c -t, -T -S server_name -d db_name #With SQLCMD Utility: sqlcmd -S server_name -d db_name -E -Q “SELECT col1, col2, col3 FROM your_tablename WHERE condition = ‘tablevalue’” -o “C:outputfilepath.csv” -s, -W

The methods are done here. But we have a more easy and quicker solution available other than these two free solutions.

Instantly Export All Tables from SQL Server to CSV

For users with less or no technical know-how, manual methods are tricky. Also, if they need to bulk export a table from SQL to a CSV file, then a more relevant and instant solution is needed. It is the SQL Database Recovery Tool. Though it sounds like a recovery utility, it can export data as CSV while repairing any damage in the SQL table, if it prevails.

The versatile tool restore table data from SQL Server, then export SQL table to CSV and also enables its preview. It is compatible with all SQL Server versions and Windows OS, and even enables data saving in another database or as scripts. Moreover, the tool is 100% accurate and highly secure, ensuring no losses.

Procedure to Export Data from Table to CSV File

1. Run the given MS SQL Recovery Tool and go to the ribbon tabs.
2. There, click Open and add your SQL MDF file into it with (…).
3. Next, pick a Standard/Advanced mode of recovery based on damage. (optional)
4. Check other features, press OK, and let the file scan complete.
5. Further, expand the tree and preview the tables by double-clicking them.
6. Afterward, select the tables to move and click on Save Table under the Save Data as CSV tab in the ribbon.
7. At last, pick your location and click OK to complete the data export to CSV.

Why Professional Tool is a Better Option?

• It is faster, secure, and cross-platform compatible.
• Provides a demo version to check the data, and also has recovery features.
• Supports bulk table exports at once without file size issues.
• Maintains the data integrity and table hierarchy without difficulties.

Conclusion

Export SQL Table to CSV is not just a basic operation, but the foundation for seamless data reporting, analysis, and global access. Whether you prefer the coded solutions like SMMS and T-SQL queries or an effortless professional tool, the choice is yours. To save your time, handle risks, and perform batch export, use the expert tool and stay worry-free.

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