> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.qwoty.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import customers from CSV

> Bulk upload customer records into Qwoty using a CSV file

{/* AUDIT NOTE: Import functionality not found in the tested account. The Customer list only shows a "+ New" button and a search bar — no Import button visible. The feature may require additional permissions or may not be enabled on this account. All step labels remain as TODOs. Nav path confirmed: Customer > Customer (not "Customers"). */}

Importing customers from a CSV file lets you quickly add multiple customer records to Qwoty without manual entry. You can import basic customer information, billing details, and custom fields in a single operation.

## Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have:

* A CSV file with customer data
* Admin or Manager role permissions
* Column headers that match Qwoty's customer field names

<Tip>Download the CSV template from Qwoty to ensure your file has the correct format and required columns.</Tip>

## Access the import tool

Navigate to **Customer** → **Customer** in the left side menu, then click **\[BUTTON LABEL]** {/* TODO: verify import button label — not visible in tested account */} in the top right corner.

## Prepare your CSV file

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download the template">
    Click **\[BUTTON LABEL]** {/* TODO: verify download template button */} to get a CSV template with all available fields and the correct column format.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Format your data">
    Open the template and fill in your customer information. Required columns include:

    * **\[FIELD NAME]** {/* TODO: verify required field - likely "Company Name" or "Customer Name" */}
    * **\[FIELD NAME]** {/* TODO: verify required field - likely "Email" */}

    Optional columns may include billing address, phone number, tax ID, customer segment, and custom fields.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the file">
    Save your file as CSV format (UTF-8 encoding recommended) and close any programs that have it open.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>Make sure email addresses are unique. Duplicate emails will cause the import to skip those rows or update existing records depending on your settings.</Warning>

## Import the file

<Steps>
  <Step title="Upload your CSV">
    Click **\[BUTTON LABEL]** {/* TODO: verify upload button or drag-drop zone label */} and select your prepared CSV file. Qwoty validates the file format and displays a preview.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Map fields">
    Review the field mapping screen. Qwoty automatically maps CSV columns to customer fields based on header names. Adjust any incorrect mappings using the dropdown menus.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set import options">
    Choose your import behavior:

    * **\[OPTION NAME]**: {/* TODO: verify option label - likely "Skip duplicates" */} Ignores rows with existing email addresses
    * **\[OPTION NAME]**: {/* TODO: verify option label - likely "Update existing" */} Overwrites existing customer data with CSV values
    * **\[OPTION NAME]**: {/* TODO: verify option label - likely "Create only" */} Adds only new customers
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start the import">
    Click **\[BUTTON LABEL]** {/* TODO: verify final confirmation button - likely "Import" or "Start Import" */} to begin processing. A progress indicator shows the upload status.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What happens next

Qwoty processes the CSV file and displays an import summary showing:

* Number of customers successfully created
* Number of existing customers updated
* Number of rows skipped due to errors

You can download an error report if any rows failed validation. Successfully imported customers appear immediately in your customer list and are available for quote creation.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Import fails with format error">
    Check that your CSV uses comma separators, UTF-8 encoding, and has header row in the first line. Avoid special characters in column names that don't match the template exactly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Some rows are skipped">
    Download the error report to see which rows failed and why. Common issues include missing required fields, invalid email formats, or data that exceeds field length limits.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Duplicate customers are created">
    This happens when email addresses have slight variations (extra spaces, different cases). Clean your data to ensure email consistency before importing, or use the update mode to merge records.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Custom fields don't import">
    Verify that custom field column names exactly match the field names defined in **\[MENU PATH]** {/* TODO: verify settings location - likely Settings > Custom Fields */}. Custom fields must be created before importing data into them.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related resources

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Create a customer" icon="user-plus" href="/user-guide/customers/how-tos/create-customer">
    Add individual customer records manually
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage customer data" icon="pen-to-square" href="/user-guide/customers/reference/customer-record">
    Edit and update customer information
  </Card>

  <Card title="Customer overview" icon="building" href="/user-guide/customers/reference/segments">
    Learn about customer management in Qwoty
  </Card>

  <Card title="Export customers" icon="file-export" href="/user-guide/customers/reference/segments">
    Download customer data as CSV
  </Card>
</CardGroup>