How to rename csv column headers for a database migration
- Step 1Review the target database schema — List the column names as they appear in the CREATE TABLE statement or migration tool mapping.
- Step 2Export the source data as CSV — Export from the spreadsheet, legacy system, or previous database.
- Step 3Rename headers to match the schema — For each column, type the exact database field name: 'Customer Name' → 'customer_name'.
- Step 4Run the migration import — Download the renamed CSV and feed it into your migration tool or SQL LOAD DATA command.
Frequently asked questions
Does this handle case sensitivity?+
Yes. You can type the exact case your database requires — all lowercase, camelCase, or UPPER_CASE.
What if my target schema uses reserved SQL words as column names?+
The tool will rename the headers as you specify. How the import tool handles reserved words is down to your migration configuration.
Can I rename headers and remove columns in the same step?+
Not in one step. Rename headers first, then run through the CSV Column Remover to drop any columns not in the schema.
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