CSV File Format for Importing Contacts and Opportunities

This article will help you format your CSV file correctly before importing it into HighLevel. By following this guide, you’ll avoid common import errors, save time, and ensure your data flows seamlessly into your CRM.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Key Benefits of Preparing Your CSV File
• What is a CSV File Format?
• Structuring Your File
  • 1. Sample CSV Format
  • 2. Mandatory Fields
  • 3. Field Formatting
  • 4. Supported File Type and File Size
  • 5. Required and Optional Fields for Import
  • 6. Formatting Guidelines by Field Type
• Supported Countries List in CSV Imports
• Supported Timezones
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Articles

Key Benefits of Preparing Your CSV File

Taking the time to format your CSV file correctly before importing ensures your contact data is clean, complete, and mapped accurately.

• Reduces the chance of import errors or upload failures
  
  
• Helps HighLevel automatically map fields during import
  
  
• Enables contact deduplication and accurate updates
  
  
• Supports custom fields and advanced segmentation
  
  
• Saves time by avoiding post-import cleanup
  
  
• Increases success with bulk contact/opportunity uploads

What is a CSV File Format?

CSV stands for 'Comma-Separated Values'. It's a simple file format used to store tabular data like spreadsheets or databases. Each line in a CSV file represents a single record, and fields within the record are separated by commas. It’s one of the most widely used formats for importing and exporting data between different systems.

• CSV files typically have a .csv extension.
  
  

• You can create or edit them in tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or Notepad.
  
  

• Ensure only one sheet is present in the file to prevent import issues.
  
  

Example:

Structuring Your File

To ensure accurate data mapping, structure your CSV file with column headers corresponding to standard or custom fields in HighLevel.

1. Sample CSV Format

• Each row represents a single contact or opportunity.
  
  

• Each column represents a distinct property.
  
  

• The header row is required to map fields correctly.

2. Mandatory Fields

At least one of the following is required to create or update a contact:

• First Name

• Email Address

• Phone Number

Note: For updating contacts, a Unique Identifier (Contact ID, Email, or Phone) is required based on your deduplication settings. For opportunities, include the Opportunity ID if updating. Without it, a new one will be created.

3. Field Formatting

Follow these specific formatting rules to avoid import failures:

4. Supported File Type and File Size

Your file must meet certain basic requirements for a successful upload.

5. Required and Optional Fields for Import

Including the right fields helps HighLevel identify and process your records accurately.

6. Formatting Guidelines by Field Type

To prevent import errors, follow these formatting rules for each data type in your CSV.

Tip: Before importing your CSV, ensure custom fields are already created in your HighLevel account using the same labels and data types.For help with creating custom fields, refer to Overview of Merge Fields & Custom Variables

Supported Countries List in CSV Imports

This section contains a table of country names accepted during CSV imports into HighLevel. These are the official country values that should be used in your CSV file when mapping a country field, whether standard or custom. Use the exact country names or short codes listed below in your CSV file.

• Purpose: HighLevel validates country names during import. If your CSV includes a Country field, each row must match one of the exact names in this list.
  
  

• Format: Must match exactly—case-sensitive and spelling-sensitive. For example, United States is accepted, but USA or U.S. will cause an error.
  
  

• Custom Field Use: If you're using a custom country field, you can still benefit from sticking to this list to maintain compatibility.

Supported Timezones

Use one of the following timezone formats in your CSV. These are case-sensitive and must match exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I import contacts with more than one phone number or email?
Yes! Use separate columns like Additional phone numbers and Additional email addresses, and separate entries with commas.

Q: What happens if I include a field in the CSV that doesn’t exist in HighLevel?
That field will be ignored unless you map it to an existing standard or custom field during the import process.

Q: Will HighLevel detect duplicates automatically?
Yes, based on your Duplicate Detection Settings, it can match by Contact ID, phone, or email and either merge or skip duplicates.

Q: Can I update contacts with a CSV import?
Absolutely. Just make sure you're including a field used in your duplicate matching (like Contact ID, email, or phone).

Q: Do I need to clean blank rows and columns?
Yes. It’s best to remove all unnecessary data to avoid unexpected import behavior.

Related Articles

• Importing Opportunities using a CSV file

• Troubleshooting Bulk Imports via CSV

• Importing Contacts using a CSV file