Checking feed encoding

Guarantee of correct file encoding and its content

Detect encoding errors in files before they cause failures. The tool shows exactly where the encoding issue occurred, so you can quickly forward the task for fixing.

Supports all popular encodings and formats

Detects errors even in individual lines or headers

Report in a convenient format with character-level detail

What is File Encoding Check?

This tool analyzes product feeds and shows encoding errors. It helps to pinpoint exactly where the format failure occurs — in a line, header, or file content. That way, you quickly find the issue and can pass it on to developers for correction.

You need an encoding check tool if

You collect a feed from different sources, and various file encodings get mixed

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

When uploading the feed, the system shows an error but doesn’t indicate where the failure is

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

You want to check data accuracy during feed preparation or integration

You need to set up regular feed monitoring so that errors don’t interfere with operation

How the file encoding check works

Upload a file or specify a feed link in the interface

1

Specify the expected encoding (e.g., UTF-8). If not specified, the system will try to detect it automatically

2

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

3

A report is generated with precise error details: line, character, and text fragment where the mismatch is 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 a unified ecosystem.
Working within the ecosystem

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

Standalone use

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

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FAQ

Why check encoding if the file seems to open?
A file may open on your computer but fail when uploaded to a CMS or advertising system. Encoding check shows in advance where the error is, so you can avoid failures.
Which encodings are supported?
The tool works with main encodings (UTF-8, Windows-1251, etc.) and correctly identifies discrepancies between the declared format and the actual file content.
Can I manually specify the expected encoding?
Yes. You can set the presumed encoding (e.g., UTF-8), and the system will check if the file matches it. If not specified, encoding is detected automatically.
What exactly does the report show?
The report shows the line, character, and text fragment where the encoding error was found. This way you immediately see what needs to be fixed.
Can the tool be used separately, without other NotPIM services?
Yes. The encoding check works as a standalone solution. But when combined with other NotPIM tools, you gain full feed quality control.
How much does file encoding check cost?
There is a free plan — up to 500 unique products per month. This means if your catalog has 500 items, you can check it every day without limitations. Detailed pricing is available in the "Pricing" section. https://notpim.com/en/price/.

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Checking file encoding: identify errors in product feeds

Working with product feeds in e-commerce always involves large volumes of data. Each file may contain tens of thousands of lines, and even a single incorrect encoding can cause failures: the system refuses to load the data, the CMS shows an error, or advertising platforms block updates. To avoid such issues, you need a tool that doesn’t modify the file but helps locate the encoding error and point to its exact position. This is exactly why NotPIM created the “File Encoding Check” service.

Why it is important to detect encoding errors

Encoding errors are a common problem in e-commerce. The reasons may vary:

  • Different suppliers use different formats (UTF-8, Windows-1251, and others).
  • The file header declares one format, but the content is actually encoded differently.
  • Some lines are created in another standard and break the entire file.
  • XML files may declare one encoding but actually use another.

As a result, businesses face a critical situation: the data exists, but the system cannot process it. And while typical validators just return a generic “file cannot be read” error, the NotPIM encoding error detector allows you to identify exactly where the failure occurs.

What detecting encoding errors gives to a business

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

Collecting feeds from different sources
When a catalog is compiled from multiple suppliers, there’s a high risk that part of the data comes in different encodings. The check reveals inconsistencies before upload.

Uploading to a CMS or advertising platform
If the system refuses the file, you need to understand in which line or character the error occurred. Our tool shows the exact location, saving the team valuable time.

Preparing for integration
Before connecting a new feed, it’s useful to ensure there are no hidden encoding issues. This reduces risks at launch.

Regular data quality monitoring
Even if everything works today, tomorrow a new line with incorrect encoding might appear. Periodic checks help keep processes stable.

How the NotPIM service works

The process is as simple as possible:

  1. The user uploads a file or provides a feed link.
  2. Specifies the expected encoding (e.g., UTF-8). If this is not done, the system determines it automatically.
  3. The tool analyzes the entire file line by line, including headers and the first line of XML, where encoding is often declared.
  4. A report is generated with clear details: line, character, and text fragment where the mismatch was found.

Thus, the service does not change the file but simply shows where the problem lies. This makes the report convenient for passing on to developers or content managers who handle the correction.

Advantages of the NotPIM encoding error detector

  • Accuracy: the report shows the exact position of the failure, not just a vague error.
  • Versatility: works with different encodings and file formats.
  • Simplicity: no developers needed — just upload the file.
  • Time saving: errors are found in minutes instead of manually checking lines.
  • Integration: the tool can be used as a standalone service or as part of the NotPIM ecosystem.

When encoding analysis is especially important

  • When working with new suppliers and unknown data sources.
  • If the system shows an “invalid format” error when uploading a feed.
  • During catalog migration to a new CMS or advertising platform.
  • When verifying export correctness before launching campaigns.
  • For regular control of large price lists and thousands of SKUs.

NotPIM ecosystem and encoding check

The “File Encoding Check” service is part of the NotPIM platform, which automates work with product data. Along with other tools (feed conversion, delta exports, content enrichment), it ensures full data quality control. But it can also be used independently as a convenient online encoding error detector.

Pricing and plans

The encoding check follows the same pricing model as other NotPIM services.
There is a free plan — up to 500 unique products per month. This means that a small catalog can be analyzed daily at no cost. Detailed conditions are listed in the Pricing section.

Conclusion

Encoding errors are among the most frustrating issues when working with product feeds. They prevent data uploads, break integrations, and slow down processes. But now, instead of long searches and guesswork, you can use the NotPIM “File Encoding Check” service. It precisely shows the line and character where the failure occurred and gives the team all the information needed for a quick fix.

This tool saves time, reduces risks, and increases reliability when working with data. Most importantly, it ensures that every product feed is checked and ready to use.