Prepare your CSV file - Relaticle  

    [Importing data](https://relaticle.com/help/import)

 Prepare your CSV file 
=======================

File requirements, column naming, and formatting rules that make an import succeed on the first try.

 Updated August 13, 2026

 A CSV imports cleanly when it is UTF-8 encoded, has headers in the first row, and formats each column consistently. This page covers the rules; the [walkthrough](/help/getting-started/import-your-existing-data) covers the clicks.

[](#file-requirements "Permalink")File requirements
---------------------------------------------------

RequirementValueFormatCSV (comma-separated values)EncodingUTF-8Maximum rows10,000 per fileMaximum size10MBHeadersRequired in the first rowIn Excel, use **Save As → CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited)** — Excel's default CSV encoding breaks accented characters.

[](#required-columns "Permalink")Required columns
-------------------------------------------------

Only one column is required per record type:

Record typeRequired columnCompaniesNamePeopleNameOpportunitiesNameTasksTitleNotesTitleEvery other column is optional — a blank cell simply leaves that field empty.

[](#custom-field-columns "Permalink")Custom field columns
---------------------------------------------------------

Name custom field columns with the prefix `custom_fields_` followed by the field's code:

```
custom_fields_industry
custom_fields_emails
custom_fields_website

```

Find each field's code in **Settings → Custom Fields**, under the **Code**column. The wizard also auto-maps close names — a column called "Industry" usually lands on the Industry field without the prefix — but the prefix makes the match exact.

[](#format-values-by-field-type "Permalink")Format values by field type
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Field typeFormatExampleTextPlain text`Technology`NumberDigits only, no symbols`50000`DateYYYY-MM-DD, DD/MM/YYYY, or MM/DD/YYYY`2024-03-15`EmailValid email(s), comma-separated`john@acme.com,jane@acme.com`SelectThe exact option label`Enterprise`Multi-selectComma-separated option labels`CRM,Analytics`Booleantrue/false, yes/no, or 1/0`true`[](#do "Permalink")Do
---------------------

- Include headers in the first row.
- Quote values that contain commas: `"Last, First"`.
- Keep one consistent format within each column — especially dates.
- Test with a small sample (5-10 rows) before importing the full file.

[](#dont "Permalink")Don't
--------------------------

- Use Excel's default encoding — pick "CSV UTF-8".
- Mix date formats in the same column (`2024-03-15` and `03/15/2024`).
- Include currency symbols in numbers — use `50000`, not `$50,000`.
- Leave empty rows at the end of the file.

[](#get-a-ready-made-template "Permalink")Get a ready-made template
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Export a few existing records from any list — the exported file includes the `id` column and every custom field your workspace uses, already named correctly. Delete the rows, keep the headers, and fill in your data.

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