How to Create a Proper .CSV for Your Magento Import?

It is known that a comma separated value or .csv file type is the best for importing your products, categories and other data to your store. However the process of .csv creation is not so fast and easy. Very often the requirements are not clear and this causes difficulties while preparing your import file. There is a list of tips and tricks for proper .csv file creation.

Sample File

Undoubtedly, the best way to get into the requirements is to have a model pattern. There is a simple way to get it. All you need to do is to export some products from your store into a comma delimited file.

To do that click System in your Admin Panel and then Export in the Import and Export menu. Then you are to choose products from the Entity Type drop-down. Now, the system creates a list of product attributes. All the attributes export into the .csv file, that is why you can click Continue to export the products you have selected. Now, you can open your file in any of your favorite spreadsheet application and use it as an example for your own .csv.

Make Your Attributes Optimized

To optimize an attribute means to remove all the attributes that you are not going to use and create those you will need. There are several types of attributes:

All the attributes except of Preloaded and Custom are required by Magento shopping cart for functionality and product management that is why they cannot be removed.

Import .CSV

There are several things you are to remember while creating your import .csv. Put every new product on a new line and the attributes which you define should be divided by commas. All the attributes should be in the same order as the first row.

In case you are editing your products in Microsoft Excel each product will be placed on a new line. The attributes which you define will fall into the column that is listed in the very first row.

Note that it is very important to select Yes (to leave out incompatible features), when Excel asks you what file format you wish to save.

Common Mistakes

The most common problems store owners experience while creating import .csv files are invalid values and missing values. In case you have this kind of error you will be informed which rows and items are missing or invalid.

Another common problem is duplicated products. So, if you try to import an already existing in your store catalogue product it will be duplicated. In order to avoid this mistake ensure that you are importing it either to an empty catalogue or be sure that you are not importing products that are already exist in your store.

Update Your Store Data With File2Cart

File2Cart is an online automated shopping cart data import service which was designed to perform fast, efficient and absolutely effortless import of your data not only from a .csv file but from .xml and .txt file type.

You don’t need to download and set up any software saving your time for more important things. What is more you get an access to the service from any point of the world that is really comfortable for people who often travel. You can also try Assisted Data Import if you want your import to be performed by the high quality professionals.

Only File2Cart allows to try Free Demo Import first. Improve your business with File2Cart. Try File2Cart now!