3 Easy Steps to Convert XML to Google Sheets

Converting XML to Google Sheets is a process that can be accomplished through various methods, each catering to different needs and technical expertise levels. This guide will explore three primary ways to import XML data into Google Sheets: using the IMPORTXML function, Google Apps Script, and automation tools like n8n.

Using the IMPORTXML Function

The IMPORTXML function is a built-in Google Sheets feature that allows you to import data from XML, HTML, and other structured data types directly into your spreadsheet. This method is straightforward and does not require any coding knowledge. To use IMPORTXML, follow these steps:

1. Identify the URL of the XML data you want to import.
2. In a Google Sheets cell, enter the IMPORTXML formula in the following syntax:
   '=IMPORTXML("URL", "XPath_query")'
3. Replace "URL" with the actual URL of your XML data and "XPath_query" with the XPath query that specifies the data you want to extract.

For example, to import all items tagged as "food" from an XML file, you would use:
'=IMPORTXML("https://www.example.com/xmlfile.xml", "//food")'

Using Google Apps Script

Google Apps Script offers more flexibility for importing XML data, especially when dealing with files hosted on Google Drive or requiring complex data manipulation. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the Google Sheets document where you want to import the XML data.
2. Go to Extensions → Apps Script and create a new script.
3. Write a custom script to fetch and parse the XML data. For example, to parse an XML file from Google Drive, use the following script:
   'function xmlParser() {
   const fileId = "YOUR_FILE_ID";
   const data = DriveApp.getFileById(fileId).getBlob().getDataAsString();
   let document = XmlService.parse(data);
   let root = document.getRootElement();
   let items = root.getChildren("YOUR_TAG");
   let list = [];
   items.forEach(function (item) {
   fields = item.getChildren();
   subList = [];
   fields.forEach(function (field) {
   subList.push(field.getText());
   });
   list.push(subList);
   });
   writeToSheet(list);
   }
   function writeToSheet(list) {
   let range = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet().getRange(1, 1, list.length, list[0].length);
   range.setValues(list);
   }'
4. Replace "YOUR_FILE_ID" with the actual ID of your XML file on Google Drive and "YOUR_TAG" with the XML tag you want to parse.
5. Run the script to import the data into your Google Sheets document.

Automation with n8n

n8n is a workflow automation tool that can be used to import XML data into Google Sheets without writing code. Here's a basic outline of the process:

1. Set up n8n and create a new workflow.
2. Use the HTTP Request node to fetch the XML data from its source.
3. Parse the XML data using the XML node.
4. Use the Google Sheets node to insert the parsed data into your Google Sheets document.
5. Configure each node with the necessary details, such as the request URL, XPath queries, and Google Sheets document ID.
6. Execute the workflow to automate the XML data import process.

While manual methods exist, automating the XML to Google Sheets conversion with Bardeen saves time and minimizes errors. Discover how with Bardeen's playbooks for Google Sheets automation and start enhancing your productivity today. Download Bardeen.

Each of these methods has its advantages and can be chosen based on the specific requirements of your project, such as the complexity of the XML data, the need for automation, and your comfort level with scripting.

Learn more about Google Sheets addons, how to automate Google Sheets, and explore a collection of Google Sheets automations at Bardeen.

Converting XML to Google Sheets can streamline data analysis and reporting, especially when dealing with large datasets or requiring regular updates. While manual methods exist, automating this task with Bardeen not only saves valuable time but also reduces the risk of human error. Imagine automating the extraction and transformation of XML data into a structured format in Google Sheets without writing a single line of code. Bardeen's playbooks make this possible, enabling seamless integration that enhances productivity and data accuracy. Start automating by downloading Bardeen from Bardeen.ai/download.

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