Header Validator
Paste the column list your system expects and check a CSV's actual headers against it — catches missing, extra, and reordered columns before import.
How to use Header Validator
- Start by providing the required input: Drop a CSV file.
- Set the inputs and options shown here: Expected columns (one per line, in order).
- Run the tool with Validate.
- Review the result or preview on the page and confirm it matches your input before using or sharing it.
Catching a schema mismatch before an import fails
Importing a CSV into a system with a fixed expected schema often fails with a vague error when a column is missing, extra, or just reordered — and figuring out which one by comparing headers manually is tedious on a wide file. Checking against your expected column list directly tells you exactly what's wrong before you even attempt the import.
What counts as a pass versus a fail
Every expected column must be present for a pass; any unexpected extra columns are reported separately so you can decide whether they're harmless additions or a sign the wrong file was exported.
Does column order matter?
The validation checks presence, not strict order — but the report does show each column's actual position, so reordering issues are visible even though they don't cause a fail by themselves.
Can I save my expected schema for reuse?
Not within this tool — keep your expected column list saved separately (in a text file or note) and paste it in each time you need to validate a new export.
Want to fix header formatting instead of just checking it?
Use the Header Cleaner, which actually normalizes headers rather than validating them against a list.