How to convert DBF to XML
- Add your .DBF file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
- Convert it to .XML in a few seconds.
- Download your new .XML file.
What to expect
- Memo-type columns are stored in a companion
.dbtor.fptfile; if that file is missing, those fields will be blank in the XML output. - Old DBF files often use DOS code pages (CP437, CP852) - if the XML output shows garbled characters, set the correct encoding on import.
- DBF field names are capped at 10 characters, so XML element names in the output will match these short names unless you rename them.
Frequently asked questions
Will all field types survive the conversion?
Regular fields (character, numeric, date, logical) convert cleanly. Memo fields only transfer if the companion
.dbt or .fpt file is present in the same folder.Can I convert DBF to XML for free?
Yes - our on-page converter is free, and LibreOffice Calc and Python's
dbf library are both free desktop options.Why does my XML output show garbled text?
The
.dbf was saved with a DOS code page; select the correct encoding on import in LibreOffice, or pass a codepage argument when using Python's dbf library.Is there a standard XML schema for DBF exports?
No - each tool produces a different element structure, so confirm the required XML format with the receiving system before you convert.
Programs that convert DBF: Full Convert Enterprise · Microsoft Access · Microsoft Excel · Apache OpenOffice Calc (OpenOffice.org Calc) · LibreOffice Calc