Top 6 Ways to Copy File Names into Excel, Export CSV List or XML

We have listed the top 6 best ways to copy file names into Excel, CSV, or XML. You can additionally export folders, file lists, or trees within a specific drive or directory.

Efficiently handling file names is crucial for many tasks. In this guide, we’ll look at the top 5 practical methods to copy file names into Excel, export them as CSV lists, or generate XML files. These straightforward approaches, involving command-line tools, native Windows features, third-party tools, Excel formulas, or batch scripting, provide users with versatile options to simplify data management and analysis.

The easiest way to copy file names to Excel or export files list to XML or CSV is to use the free Folder Size application. It gives you options to customize the copied/exported files or folders and their attributes.

We will explore options to copy file names from the command line and Windows Explorer too, but using Folder Size is way easier and provides more customization options.

Free Download: Folder Size

List of top 5 best ways to copy file names into Excel or export files list to CSV or XML:

1. Copy File Names into Excel From Clipboard
2. Export File Names to Excel – Import From CSV
3. Export All File and Folder Names to Excel
4. Export Files List to XML
5. Exporting File Names Using CMD DIR Command
6. Listing File Names With a Batch Script

1. Copy File Names into Excel From Clipboard

The easiest way to copy file names into Excel is to use Folder Size or Windows Explorer. You can use this method in both applications as Folder Size provides all the options available in the File Explorer popup menu.

Steps to export file names into Excel:

1. Browse to the folder that contains the file names that you want to copy.
2. Select the files that you want to copy, hold down SHIFT, right-click the selection, and choose “Copy as path”
3. Go to Excel and paste the copied paths.

Please note that this will copy the entire path to each file and it will add also quotes. If you want the file names only, you can paste the result into a text editor and replace all the paths and quotes with empty text. Example:

"F:\Unicode\FolderSize.exe"
"F:\Unicode\IMG_3332.jpg"
"F:\Unicode\Arab - بعض المجلدات"
"F:\Unicode\Hebrew - บางโฟลเดอร์"

To get only the file names in the example above you should search for: “F:\Unicode\ and replace it with empty text. Then search for “ and replace it with empty text too. Doing so will leave you with a list of file names only.

2. Export File Names to Excel – Import From CSV

A much easier and customizable way is to export the file names and properties using the Folder Size app. You can export all the file properties like name, size, attributes, created, modified, accessed dates, and owner.

Steps to export file names list to Excel using CSV file:

1. Start Folder Size and scan the folder that you want to export.
2. Click “Export Details View…” on the toolbar and choose a file name.
3. Open the exported file in Excel and all the file names will be listed together with their properties in columns.

If you do not need particular properties you can just select the column and remove it from the Excel spreadsheet.

3. Export All File and Folder Names to Excel

This method will let you export all file names in a directory or drive and all its subdirectories. You can export both file and folder names.

Steps to Export All File and Folder Names to Excel:

1. Open Folder Size and scan the folder or drive from which you want to export.
2. Click “File->Export As..” and choose a file name and select “CSV Files” for the file type.
3. Open Excel click “File->Open” and choose the CSV file that you saved earlier

If you do not need the file names and only the folders you can follow this article: Top 5 Ways to Export Folder Structure to Excel, CSV List or XML

4. Export Files List to XML

You can export the files list in a directory to an XML file. There is an option to export all files in a folder and its subfolder to XML too.

Steps to export files list to XML:

1. Scan the folder from which you want to export a list of file names.
2. Click “File->Export As..”
3. Choose a file name and select “XML File” for the file type.

This will export a list of all the files in the folder and all its subdirectories to an XML file. If you do not want to export the files in the subfolders, go to options and set the maximum export depth to 1. This will limit the export depth to the topmost folder.

5. Exporting File Names Using CMD DIR Command

Listing file names to a text file using the DIR command is a straightforward process in the command prompt. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Command Prompt:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type cmd and press Enter.
Navigate to the Target Directory:

2. Use the cd command to navigate to the directory containing the files you want to list.

cd path\to\your\directory

3. Run the DIR Command:

Execute the following command to list file names to a text file.
dir /B > filename.txt

/B ensures a bare format with only file names.
> redirects the output to a text file named filename.txt. You can replace it with your preferred file name and extension.

4. Review the Text File:

Locate the text file in the same directory where you executed the command.
Open the text file with any text editor to view the listed file names.

Example:
cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents
dir /B > FileList.txt

This command creates a text file named FileList.txt in the “Documents” directory, containing a list of file names from that directory. Adjust the path and file name accordingly based on your requirements.

6. Listing File Names With a Batch Script

Batch scripting provides a versatile and efficient way to automate the process of copying file names into various formats. By creating a simple batch script using commands like dir and echo, you can generate a text file containing a list of file names. This text file can then be easily imported into Excel or converted to CSV or XML formats. Batch scripting allows for customization, enabling users to tailor the script based on specific requirements, such as filtering files or including additional information. Although it requires a basic understanding of scripting, this method is highly scalable and can be particularly advantageous for users dealing with large sets of files regularly, offering a systematic and automated approach to file name extraction and manipulation.

Below is a simple batch script example to list file names in a directory and save them to a text file:
@echo off
dir /B > FileList.txt

Save the above lines in a text file with a .bat extension, for example, ListFiles.bat. When you run this script, it will create a text file named FileList.txt in the same directory, containing a list of file names. You can customize the file name or directory path in the script according to your preferences.

If you want to include additional details like file sizes or creation dates, you can modify the script accordingly:

@echo off
dir /B /S > FileList.txt

This modified script uses the /S option to include details like sizes and dates in addition to the file names. Adjust the script based on your specific requirements and the information you need in the exported list.

Comparison and Consideration

When evaluating the top 6 methods for copying file names into Excel, exporting CSV lists, or generating XML files, several factors should be considered. The command-line tools approach offers simplicity but might lack advanced features. Windows File Explorer provides a user-friendly option, especially for basic tasks. Third-party tools offer a feature-rich environment with built-in exporting options. Excel formulas provide flexibility within a familiar environment. Batch scripting stands out for its automation potential but requires scripting knowledge. Choosing the most suitable method depends on user preferences, the complexity of the task, and the desired level of customization. Consideration should also be given to factors like scalability, ease of use, and the need for additional file details in the exported lists. Ultimately, the choice among these methods hinges on balancing simplicity with functionality, aligning with the specific goals and workflow of the user.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the top 6 methods for copying file names into Excel, exporting CSV lists, or generating XML files provides users with a diverse toolkit for efficient data management. Each method offers unique advantages, catering to different user needs and preferences. Command-line tools and Windows File Explorer provide quick and accessible solutions, while third-party tools offer enhanced features. Excel formulas grant users flexibility within a familiar environment, and batch scripting automates the process for scalability. The optimal choice depends on the specific requirements, user expertise, and the complexity of the task at hand. By understanding the strengths of each method, users can make informed decisions to streamline their workflow and effectively handle file name data in various formats.

When it comes to exporting folder structures and efficiently managing file data, a free tool like Folder Size emerges as a standout solution. Offering a comprehensive set of features without the burden of cost, Folder Size provides users with a user-friendly interface and robust functionalities for exporting data to various formats, including Excel, CSV lists, or XML files. Its ability to analyze and visualize folder sizes, along with the flexibility to export detailed lists, makes it an invaluable asset for users seeking a cost-effective yet powerful tool for file organization. Folder Size’s accessibility, combined with its extensive capabilities, positions it as a top choice for individuals and organizations looking to streamline their file management processes without compromising on functionality or breaking the budget.

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