# Utilities: File Conversions Vehicle Spy contains a few tools for converting file formats. To use them, select [Tools](https://docs.intrepidcs.com/vspy-3-documentation/3.9.15/vehicle-spy-main-menus/main-menu-tools) -> [Utilities](https://docs.intrepidcs.com/vspy-3-documentation/3.9.15/vehicle-spy-main-menus/main-menu-tools/tools-utilities) -> File Conversions then select the conversion you want to perform (Figure 1). A window will pop up asking for a Vehicle Spy buffer file (CSV or VSB). Find the file and click Open. Another window will open for saving the converted file. Give the file a name and click Save. ![Figure 1: Data file converters are found on the Tools : Utilities : File Conversions menu.](https://2396693198-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRJv2XDCMeZSU0VbeZlG%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2d0b9f030013c25fc9084c73a9e3c7d5d4aacc1a%2FdataFileConv.gif?alt=media) Note that none of these file converters will change the original file. All of these converters work with a copy of the original file and leave the original untouched. **Table 1: File Conversion Selections**
File Conversion SelectionDescription
Text Bus Capture to Signal Log
(.csv->.csv)		Converts a Vehicle Spy message+signal buffer file into a signal-only log file.

For example, use Messages view "Save" (with Save Signals enabled!) to capture a message+signal CSV file. Use this conversion utility on that file and it becomes a CSV log file with only signal values in it, just like Logging view would generate.
Binary Bus Capture to Text Bus Capture
(.vsb->.csv)		Converts a Vehicle Spy binary buffer file into a Vehicle Spy CSV buffer file. (no signals)

For example, this can convert a VSB file captured from standalone logging into a CSV file for use in other programs.
Bus Capture to Vector Bus Capture
(.csv/.vsb->.asc)		Converts a Vehicle Spy message buffer file into a Vector? log file.
Bus Capture to OptoLyzer Bus Capture
(.csv/.vsb->.img)		Converts a Vehicle Spy message buffer file into an OptoLyzer? bus capture (img) file.
Bus Capture to Vector BLF Bus Capture
(.csv/.vsb->.blf)		Converts a Vehicle Spy message buffer file into a Vector? bus capture (blf) file.
Though it is not on the File Conversions menu, the **CSV2KML** converter takes GPS position information from a Vehicle Spy log file and converts it into a KML file for Google Earth.\ \ The various file converters are necessary because Vehicle Spy can save buffer files in three formats. Each file format has these unique qualities that are useful in different situations: ### Bus Capture CSV buffer file * always has message data * can include OR not include decoded signal data as set by the user (database might be required) * readable by many applications * larger size than Signal Log or VSB files ### Signal Log CSV file * never has message data * always has decoded signal data (database not required) * readable by many applications * basic table of signals vs time ### Bus Capture VSB (binary) buffer file * always has message data * never has decoded signal data (database required) * readable only by Vehicle Spy * smaller size than CSV files