CSV file import

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How to prepare your CSV file for importing contacts in ActiveCampaign

Importing contacts into your ActiveCampaign account using a CSV file can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps and best practices. This article will help you prepare your CSV file for a smooth import experience, avoiding potential pitfalls such as errors and partial imports.

Introduction

The CSV file import feature in ActiveCampaign allows users to efficiently upload a list of contacts into their accounts. It is crucial to prepare your CSV file properly, as this can save time and prevent issues during the import process. An appropriately formatted CSV file ensures that all necessary data is captured without unnecessary delays and conflicts that can arise from incorrect field formatting or outdated data.

How to access this feature

To access the CSV import feature, you need to navigate to your ActiveCampaign account. Once logged in, go to the Contacts section and select the Importing submenu. Here, you will find various options and resources related to importing contacts, including the ability to upload CSV files.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these steps to prepare and import your CSV file:

1. **Create a CSV file**: Start by making a copy of your master contact file. Work on the copy to avoid losing any original data.

2. **Format your CSV file**:

  - **Columns**: Only include columns you intend to map to fields in ActiveCampaign. Remove any unneeded columns.
  - **Rows**: Delete all empty rows and any rows without valid email addresses or phone numbers, as these contacts will not be imported.

3. **Ensure proper field formatting**:

  - Date fields must be formatted as YYYY-MM-DD, without spaces or slashes.
  - For **multiple tags**, separate them by commas (e.g., Tag1,Tag2).
  - When importing multiple values for a single field (like checkboxes), use the double-pipe || delimiter (e.g., Value1||Value2).
  - Verify that all email addresses are spelled correctly and follow standard formatting.
  - Confirm that all phone numbers adhere to E. 164 formatting (e.g., +13125555555).
  - Enclose all special and accented characters in double quotes and ensure your CSV uses UTF-8 encoding.
  - Remove any line breaks from the data, as they can cause import errors.
  - Avoid using emojis; their presence can halt the entire import process.

4. **Utilize the provided sample CSV**: To streamline the formatting process, you can download and use the [sample CSV file](https://d226aj4ao1t61q.cloudfront.net/e7xdqc20_sampleimportfile.csv) as a template.

5. **Break up large files**: If your import file contains a substantial amount of data, consider breaking it into smaller files. It is recommended to wait at least one hour between imports to prevent slow processing times and to troubleshoot any issues effectively.

Configuration options and settings

When preparing to import your CSV, keep the following configuration options in mind: - Ensure phone-only contacts are enabled if using phone numbers as unique identifiers. - Use formatted fields for dates, tags, and multiple values to maintain data integrity.

Best practices and tips

- Start with a clean, small CSV file to ensure that all necessary data can be imported without issues. - Regularly check and validate the data format in your CSV file before attempting an import. - Familiarize yourself with the maximum number of columns and contacts for successful imports. Here’s a summarized chart:

Maximum number of columns	Maximum number of contacts
1-5	250,000
6-10	150,000
11-16	125,000
17-25	80,000
26-29	65,000
30-39	50,000
40+	35,000

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during the import process, consider the following troubleshooting steps: - Make sure all CSV formatting guidelines have been adhered to. - Check for any common pitfalls: missing required fields, incorrect formatting for dates or phone numbers, or the presence of unsupported characters like emojis. - Review any error messages provided during the import, as they can guide you to specific issues.

Related features

For additional information on related processes, you may want to explore: - Exporting contacts: How to export contact lists for backup and use in other platforms. - Automation: Enhancements in workflow management once contacts have been imported.

FAQ

Q1: What happens if I import a contact more than once? A1: Duplicate contacts can be created if the email addresses do not match existing records.

Q2: Can I import other types of files besides CSV? A2: Currently, ActiveCampaign exclusively supports CSV file imports.

Q3: How can I verify if my import was successful? A3: After importing, check the Contacts section to review the total number of imported contacts and any notifications or errors indicated by the system.

Q4: What should I do if my import fails? A4: Review your CSV file for any formatting errors as outlined in the preparation steps, correct them, and try the import again.

Q5: Are there any limits to the number of contacts I can import at once? A5: Yes, there are limits based on the size of your CSV file and the configurations outlined above.

Q6: How can I handle large lists of contacts efficiently? A6: Split large lists into smaller segments and import them sequentially to manage load times and potential errors.

Q7: Where can I find additional importing resources? A7: You can explore more in the Importing section or contact our support team for guidance.

By following these steps and best practices, you should be well-equipped to prepare your CSV file for a successful import into ActiveCampaign, ensuring an efficient and hassle-free onboarding process for your contacts. ```