A column is missing from the output
Column names must match the CSV header exactly, including spaces and punctuation.
Copy header names from the preview or rename the source headers before keeping columns.
Use this tool
Prepare the input and run the tool
Paste CSV text and enter the exact headers to keep. Result: Copy or download the reduced CSV.
Ready.
Cleaned CSV appears here.
Data handling: Files and pasted data are processed in this browser session.
Tool guide
How to use CSV Column Cleaner
Use this when a CSV has extra columns that should not be shared or imported. Enter the headers to keep and download the trimmed file.
What this tool does
Paste a CSV, keep only selected columns, and download the smaller CSV.
- Input
- Paste CSV text and enter the exact headers to keep
- Output
- Copy or download the reduced CSV
Tool advantages
- Runs in this page; the file or pasted data is not sent to a new app.
- Keeps the preview, report, and download in the same screen.
- Leaves you with an output you can copy, download, or check before using.
Step-by-step usage guide
- 1Paste the CSV.
- 2Enter the column headers to keep.
- 3Copy or download the reduced CSV.
Common errors and fixes
Sensitive columns remain in the CSV
The keep-list may include broad columns such as Notes or Tags that contain private data.
Review the preview and remove any column that should not be shared before downloading.
Quoted cells look broken after cleanup
CSV cells with commas or line breaks need proper quoting after columns are removed.
Open the output in a CSV-aware app and avoid editing the downloaded file in a plain text tool unless you preserve quotes.
When to use CSV Column Cleaner
- You are checking files before an upload, import, share, or delivery.
- You want to confirm the result before sending it to another system.
- You need a copied result, downloaded file, or report that can be reviewed outside the page.
FAQ
How do I choose columns?
Enter the exact header names to keep, separated by commas.
Are quoted CSV cells supported?
Yes. The shared CSV parser handles quoted commas and line breaks.