en

Feed Encoding Check

Ensuring correct file and content encoding

Find encoding errors in your files before they cause system failures. The tool pinpoints exactly where the encoding issue occurred, allowing you to quickly delegate the fix.

Support for all popular encodings and formats

We find errors even within individual lines or headers

Report in a convenient format with character-by-character detail

What is File Encoding Check?

This tool analyzes product feeds and highlights encoding errors. It helps precisely identify where the format failure lies—in a line, a header, or the file content. This way, you quickly locate the issue and can pass it on to developers for correction.

You need an encoding check tool if

You aggregate feeds from various sources, resulting in mixed file encodings

The declared format (e.g., UTF-8) does not match the actual content

The system throws an error upon feed upload but doesn't specify the exact location of the failure

You need to quickly determine which line or header contains the encoding error

You want to verify data integrity during feed preparation or integration

You need to set up regular feed monitoring to prevent errors from disrupting operations

How File Encoding Check works

Upload the file or provide the feed URL in the interface

1

Specify the expected encoding (e.g., UTF-8). If omitted, the system will attempt automatic detection

2

The system analyzes the entire file: lines, headers, and format metadata (e.g., the first XML line)

3

A report is generated with precise error details: the line number, character, and text snippet where the mismatch was found

4

NotPIM Ecosystem

File Encoding Check is one of the NotPIM tools
It can be used as a standalone solution or as part of our unified ecosystem.
Working within the ecosystem

The encoding check tool integrates with other NotPIM services. As a result, you gain reliable data quality control at every stage of feed processing—from import to export.

Standalone use

Upload a file or link in your personal account and receive a detailed encoding report without complex setup or integration.

{;} TXT CSV </> ... Feed Validator Sample Feed Encoding Check Image Delta Feed ...

FAQ

Why check encoding if the file seems to open fine?
A file might open correctly on your computer but fail when uploaded to a CMS or advertising platform. Encoding check reveals the exact error beforehand, preventing downtime.
Which encodings are supported?
The tool works with major encodings (UTF-8, Windows-1251, etc.) and accurately detects discrepancies between the declared format and the actual file content.
Can I manually specify the expected encoding?
Yes. You can set the assumed encoding (e.g., UTF-8), and the system will verify if the file conforms. If the parameter is not specified, we determine the encoding automatically.
What exactly does the report show?
The report specifies the line number, character, and text fragment where the encoding error was found. This lets you see exactly what needs fixing.
Can this tool be used separately, without other NotPIM services?
Yes. Encoding Check works as a standalone solution. However, when combined with other NotPIM tools, you gain complete control over feed quality.
How much does File Encoding Check cost?
There is a free tier—up to 500 unique SKUs per month. This means if your catalog has 500 items, you can check it daily without limits. Detailed pricing is available in the 'Pricing' section. https://notpim.com/en/price/.

Have a challenge?
We will help you solve it!

For us, there are no unsolvable problems in the field of product content!

File Encoding Check: How to Identify Errors in Product Feeds

Working with product feeds in e-commerce always involves large volumes of data. Each file can contain tens of thousands of rows, and even one incorrect encoding can lead to failures: the system fails to load data, the CMS throws an error, or advertising accounts block updates. To avoid such situations, you need a tool that doesn't change the file but helps find the encoding error and pinpoint its exact location. This is precisely why the NotPIM service "File Encoding Checker" was created.

Why Identifying Encoding Errors is Crucial

Encoding errors are a common problem in e-commerce. The causes can vary:

  • different suppliers use different formats (UTF-8, Windows-1251, and others);
  • the file header declares one format, but the content is encoded differently;
  • some rows are generated in a different standard, breaking the entire file;
  • XML files specify one encoding, but a different one is actually used.

As a result, the business faces a critical situation: the data exists, but the system cannot process it. While standard validators simply return a general error like "file cannot be read," the NotPIM encoding error detector allows you to precisely determine where the failure occurred.

Benefits of Encoding Error Detection for Business

For an online store or supplier, the key task is to ensure the file is correct. This is especially important during the following stages:

  1. Collecting Feeds from Various Sources
    When a catalog is formed from several suppliers simultaneously, there is a high risk that some data will arrive in different encodings. Checking identifies discrepancies before uploading.
  2. Uploading to CMS or Advertising Platforms
    If the system rejects the file, you need to know which line or character caused the issue. Our tool shows the specific location, saving the team time.
  3. Preparation for Integration
    Before connecting a new feed, it is useful to ensure it contains no hidden encoding errors. This reduces risks during launch.
  4. Regular Data Quality Monitoring
    Even if everything works today, a new row with incorrect encoding might appear tomorrow. Periodic checks help maintain process stability.

How the NotPIM Service Works

The process is as simple as possible:

  1. The user uploads a file or provides a link to the feed.
  2. The user specifies the assumed encoding (e.g., UTF-8). If this is omitted, the system determines it automatically.
  3. The tool analyzes the entire file line by line, including headers and the first line of XML, where the encoding is often specified.
  4. The output is a report with a clear indication: the line number, character, and text fragment where the mismatch was found.

Thus, the service does not modify the file but only shows exactly where the problem lies. This makes the report convenient for handover to developers or content managers responsible for corrections.

Advantages of the NotPIM Encoding Error Detector

  • Accuracy: The report indicates the specific position of the failure, not an abstract error.
  • Versatility: Works with various encodings and file formats.
  • Simplicity: No programmers are needed; just upload the file.
  • Time Saving: Finding an error takes minutes instead of manually checking rows.
  • Integration: The tool can be used as a standalone service or as part of the NotPIM ecosystem.

When Encoding Analysis is Especially Needed

  • When working with new suppliers and unknown data sources.
  • If the system throws an "invalid format" error when loading a feed.
  • When migrating a catalog to a new CMS or advertising platform.
  • When it is necessary to confirm the correctness of an export before launching campaigns.
  • For regular monitoring of large price lists and thousands of SKUs.

The NotPIM Ecosystem and Encoding Check

The "File Encoding Checker" service is part of the NotPIM platform, which automates work with product data. Together with other tools (feed conversion, delta exports, content enrichment), it ensures complete data quality control. However, it can also be used separately as a convenient online encoding error detector.

Cost and Pricing

The same pricing model applies to the encoding check as to other NotPIM services.
There is a free tier—up to 500 unique products per month. This means a small catalog can be analyzed daily without extra cost. Detailed terms are specified in the Pricing section.

Conclusion

Encoding errors are one of the most frustrating problems when working with product feeds. They prevent data loading, break integrations, and slow down processes. But now, instead of long searches and guesswork, you can use the NotPIM "File Encoding Checker" service. It will accurately indicate the line and character where the failure occurred, providing the team with all the necessary information for a quick resolution.

This tool saves time, reduces risks, and increases the reliability of data operations. Most importantly, it allows the business to be confident that every product feed has been checked and is ready for use.