1. Verify File Format
Ensure your file is saved in one of the supported formats:
- CSV (Comma-Separated Values): A plain-text format compatible with most spreadsheet applications.
- XLS: Older Microsoft Excel format.
- XLSX: Newer Microsoft Excel format.
2. Check File
Structure
A properly formatted spreadsheet should have:
- Column Headers: The first row must contain clear and descriptive headers.
- One Record per Row: Each row should represent a single record.
Multiple contacts for the same company are listed in separate rows without repeating the company name.
Correct Formatting Example:
Repeat the company name for each contact to ensure each row is a complete record.
3. Adjust Regional Settings
If you’re located outside the United States, your system’s default list separator may differ, which can cause import issues.
Solution:
Change CSV Column Separator
- Go to My Profile located in the top right corner > General tab.
- Scroll down and set the CSV Column Separator from Comma to Decimal.
4. Handle Special Characters
Non-ASCII characters can cause files to be rejected.
For Windows Users:
- Right-click the file and select Open with > Notepad.
- Go to File > Save As.
- Choose UTF-8 encoding.
- Click Save.
- Open the file in Numbers.
- Go to File > Export To > CSV.
- Select Unicode (UTF-8) for encoding.
- Click Next and then Export.