If you’ve handled data before, you’ve likely used Excel (XL) files — but our system expects imports via CSV (comma-separated values). Below, we break down the differences and share tips to avoid common errors when importing.
Excel (XL) Files:
Excel spreadsheets support rich formatting, formulas, macros, and many advanced features. But when transferring data between systems, these embellishments tend to cause friction.
CSV Files:
A CSV is simply a plain-text file where each column is separated by a comma (or another delimiter you specify). There’s no styling — just rows of raw data.
- All spreadsheet apps allow “Save As → CSV.”
- Converting from Excel to CSV removes formatting, leaving only your raw data.
- You can also load CSV files back into Excel.
- Important: Avoid putting anything extra above the header row. The system expects row one to contain column names.
Issue | Description | Tip |
Blank first row or header row errors | If you include a title or empty first row, the system may misinterpret your headers. | Start with your column names in row one, no extra text above. |
Invalid email format | The “Email” column must contain valid, formatted email addresses for all rows. | Use spreadsheet tools like =ISEMAIL() in Google Sheets to test. |
Trailing blank rows | Excess blank lines below your data may be rejected. | Remove empty rows before saving or rely on our system — we strip blanks during import. |
Leading zeros lost (e.g. “00123”) | Excel often treats such values as numbers and drops leading zeros. | Format these columns as text before saving to CSV (especially for phone numbers, IDs, or barcodes). |
Scientific notation errors for large numbers | Barcodes or ticket numbers can be misinterpreted (e.g. 567890123456 → 5.6789E+11). | Again, format as text in Excel before saving or importing. |
- Keep the first row clean — only column headers.
- Format columns that must preserve leading zeros (IDs, phone numbers, barcodes) as text in your spreadsheet before exporting.
- Ensure your “Email” column is fully valid — blank or malformed entries will cause rejection.
- Save as CSV before importing.
- If you spot import errors, double-check blank rows, formatting, and data types first.
