CSV to reStructuredText Converter

About the CSV to reStructuredText Converter

This tool transforms CSV spreadsheets into clean reStructuredText table format, perfect for Sphinx docs, Python package READMEs, and any workflow that relies on rST markup. It calculates column widths automatically, preserves headers, and produces ready-to-paste tables for documentation or publishing pipelines.

Why Convert CSV to reStructuredText?

reStructuredText (rST) powers Sphinx, Read the Docs, and Python’s official documentation stack. Converting CSV tables to reStructuredText format lets you:

• Embed data tables in Sphinx guides, release notes, and API docs.
• Maintain source data in CSV while publishing polished rST tables.
• Share metrics or benchmarks in Python package README files.
• Standardize documentation content across engineering teams.

Key Features

• Delimiter Support: Works with comma, semicolon, tab, and pipe-separated CSV files.
• Header Awareness: Optional header row automatically separated with the correct “===” underline.
• Column Width Detection: Calculates exact column widths so rST tables align perfectly.
• Quote Handling: Properly parses quoted fields with embedded commas or newlines.
• Instant Preview: The rST output updates in real time as you edit the CSV.
• Copy / Download: Copy to clipboard or download as output.rst for version control.

How to Use

1. Paste or Upload CSV: Drop a CSV file or paste raw data into the input box.
2. Adjust Settings: Toggle “First row is header” and pick the correct delimiter.
3. Review the Table: The converter generates a fully formatted reStructuredText table with proper separators.
4. Copy or Download: Copy the markup into your documentation or download it for later use.

reStructuredText Table Details

• Grid Table Style: Uses top/bottom separators made of “=” characters sized to each column.
• Header Separator: Adds a rule line after the header row when headers are enabled.
• Padding & Alignment: Automatically pads cells so columns stay aligned.
• File-Friendly: Output is plain text and ready for inclusion in .rst files.

Common Use Cases

• Sphinx Documentation: Add tables to user guides, tutorials, and API reference pages.
• Release Notes: Share changelog summaries or compatibility matrices.
• Read the Docs Projects: Convert CSV exports into documentation tables without manual formatting.
• Python Package READMEs: Include benchmark tables or configuration matrices directly in rST README files.
• Data Reporting: Publish KPIs or metrics in engineering handbooks that use rST.

Best Practices

• Keep column headers concise so tables remain narrow and readable.
• Limit the number of columns; rST tables render best when they fit typical console widths.
• Check the preview in Sphinx or a Markdown viewer that supports rST to ensure alignment.
• For very wide datasets, consider splitting into multiple tables for readability.

FAQ

• Does this support complex cells or multiline content? This converter is designed for simple, single-line cells. If you need advanced grid tables with multiline cells, generate the basic table here and then refine it manually in your .rst file or documentation source.
• Can I change the table style? The output uses a simple grid-style reStructuredText table. You can copy the result and adapt it to other rST table formats (such as simple tables) directly in your editor.
• What if my headers contain spaces or special characters? Headers are preserved as-is in the cells. If you use them elsewhere (like references or anchors), rename them manually in your documentation after conversion.
• Is this safe for private documentation? Yes. Conversion runs entirely in your browser, and no CSV content is sent to any server.

Privacy & Security

All CSV to reStructuredText conversions happen locally in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your CSV data and generated tables never leave your machine, so sensitive documentation content stays private.

Start Converting CSV to reStructuredText

Paste your CSV, choose the delimiter, and instantly export a perfectly aligned reStructuredText table for Sphinx, Read the Docs, or Python documentation. No installs or sign-ups required.