Importing Items

Items, a type of product, are objects sold individually as simple SKUs or as the parent to a variant. This document covers the process of importing multiple items using a CSV file. You can also add items individually.

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CSV File Guidelines

You can import products using CSV files only; no other data or file formats are supported. Here are the key points to consider:

• Formulas in formula-driven attributes are executed automatically after items have been imported.
• If the CSV file does not have an attribute that is added to the category, you can add a new column in the CSV with the attribute name in the header. The upload process will populate the value for this attribute.
• Empty rows and columns are ignored.
• Each item should include a category node. If the category node is missing, the item will not be created.
• Use the -> delimiter for category nodes. Incorrect mapping or absence of category nodes may result in item creation issues.
• The headers, represented in the first row of the CSV file, should match the attributes of the item. While attribute titles are not case-sensitive, maintaining case consistency with the original attribute titles is recommended.
• The Action field determines what action is being taken for that row of data.
• When updating or upserting items, entering “NULL” in a spreadsheet cell will override existing values with blank values.

We recommend that you download the template file to use as a guide when creating your own CSV file for import to minimize errors during the import process.

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Supported Actions

• UPSERT: Creates a new product if the product doesn’t exist, or it updates an existing product.
• CREATE: Creates a new product.
• UPDATE: Updates existing product.
• PUBLISH: Publishes an existing product that was in draft state. The product is published to the storefront.
• UNPUBLISH_KEEP_DRAFT: Unpublishes an existing product. If the product already has a draft version, the live version is unpublished and discarded. If product does not already have a draft version, the live version is unpublished and saved as a draft.
• UNPUBLISH_KEEP_LIVE: Unpublishes an existing product. If the product already has a draft version, the draft version is discarded.
• DELETE: Deletes the existing product.
• ATTACH_VARIANT: Adds variants to an existing parent product. The variant column holds the variant to be attached to the SKU.
• DETACH_VARIANT: Detaches existing variants. The variant column holds the variant to be detached from the SKU.
• CHANGE_CATEGORY: Updates the category of existing product.

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Attribute Data Format

When preparing your CSV file for import, ensure that the attribute data format aligns with attribute type requirements. Different attribute types have specific formatting criteria:

• Text: Ensure the data is in text string format.
• Number: Only numerical data is imported; other data is ignored.
• Boolean: Use “TRUE” or “FALSE” only; other values will be ignored.
• Date: Format dates exactly as during attribute creation.
• List of values: Values must be an exact match to one of the list values.
• Serial: Leave this field blank.
• SKU: Must be provided for the items to be created.

The status attribute is imported as live only when all mandatory attributes are provided for the item. Otherwise, the status is automatically updated to draft, regardless of the value you provide in the file.

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Prerequisites

Before initiating the item import, ensure that:

• Ensure that you have created at least one leaf category with attributes assigned to it to add items to. For more information about creating categories, see the Categories section.
• The CSV file adheres to the guidelines.

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Procedure

1. In the left menu, click Product Catalog > List > Items.
   The Items page is displayed.
2. Click Import.
   The Select a leaf category window is displayed.
3. Select a Leaf.
   The root categories and leaf categories appear as they are set up in Categories. Depending on your configuration, you might have to select one or more root categories before selecting a leaf category.
4. Click Next.
   The Import CSV file window is displayed. This window provides a link to download an example template for the CSV file.
5. To import a CSV file, do one of the following options:
   • Drag and drop the CSV file into the window.
   • Click Select a File from your computer.
6. Click Import file.

The CSV file is imported and the items are added to your product list.

fabric stores the CSV files you upload to your account. You can view the status of the import and re-download the original files by visiting the Import History page.

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Troubleshooting

Refer to the following table for a list of common errors when importing and how to correct them.

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Related Topics

• Items Overview
• Adding an Item
• Viewing Item Import History
• Bulk Operations for Items
• Editing an Item
• Adding Item Variants
• Searching, Filtering, and Sorting Items