Import and Export Store Products

Import and Export Store Products

Learn how to import and export your online store's product catalog using a CSV file. This guide covers how to prepare your file for bulk updates and how to manage the import/export process.


1. How to Import Your Products

Importing your product catalog is the best way to make bulk updates or add many new products at once. You will need to prepare a CSV file with all of your product details.

Arranging Your CSV File

Your CSV file can be created or edited in any spreadsheet program like Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, or Apple Numbers. Keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Header and Columns: Every file must have a header row with column names that describe the data. The order of the columns doesn't matter, as long as the names are correct.
    Screenshot 2023-12-29 at 10.27.46 AM.png

  • Data Types: Use the "type" column to specify what kind of data is in each row. For example, a row can be a "product", "product_variation", or "category".
    Screenshot 2023-12-29 at 10.28.59 AM.png

  • Identifiers: Use unique identifiers like a product_ID or SKU to connect data to specific products or categories. This is crucial for updating existing items.
    Screenshot 2023-12-29 at 10.30.41 AM.png

    Based on the type, rows can contain data on:

    • a product (type = ”product”)
    • a product option or input field (type = ”product_option”)
    • a product variation (type = ”product_variation”)
    • a product file (type = ”product_file”)
    • a store category (type = ”category”)
    • an Instant Site redirect (type ="site_redirect")

Importing the File

  1. From the left-hand sidebar of your Shop app, go to Catalog > Data Import & Export.

  2. Click Upload Catalog File and select your CSV file from your device.

  3. On the next page, click Start Import.
    Screenshot 2023-12-29 at 10.32.52 AM.png

  4. The import will begin in the background. You can close the page, and the process will continue.

  5. You will receive a notification in the top-right corner of your Shop app once the import is complete.


2. How to Export Your Products

Exporting your products is the easiest way to get a complete list of your store's data into a single file.
  1. From the left-hand sidebar of your Shop app, go to Catalog > Data Import & Export.

  2. Scroll down to the Export data block and click Export Catalog.
    Screenshot 2023-12-29 at 10.40.06 AM.png

  3. A CSV file containing all of your product and category data will download to your device. You can edit this file and then re-import it to update your products in bulk.


3. Alternatives to Importing and Exporting

If you only need to make quick, minor updates to a few products, you can use these built-in tools.
  • Mass Update: This tool lets you instantly enable, disable, or delete selected products. You can also change prices or add ribbons.

    1. Go to Catalog > Products.

    2. Check the boxes next to the products you want to edit.

    3. Click Mass Update at the top of the page and choose an action.

  • Bulk Product Editor: This tool is for editing multiple properties at once in a table format.

    1. Go to Catalog > Products.

    2. Check the boxes next to the products you want to edit.

    3. Click Bulk Edit Selected at the top of the page.

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