Import Your CSV or Excel File

Upload a CSV or Excel file to bring your Companies, People, or Deals into Pipeline CRM in just a few steps.

Before you start:

• Your file must be in CSV, XLS, or XLSX format.
• Each import handles one record type at a time — you can't import Companies, People, and Deals in a single pass.
• If your data includes custom fields, create those fields in Pipeline CRM first.
• See Prepare Your File for Import for formatting rules and templates.

Tip: For best results, import in this order — Companies → People → Deals. This ensures records link correctly.

Step 1: Prepare your file

1. Add clear column headers to the first row (for example, "First Name," "Email," "Company Name").
2. Make sure each row represents one record.
3. If you need a starting point, download a sample file: Companies | People | Deals.

Step 2: Start the import

1. Click the + icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Import.
3. Choose your record type: Companies, People, or Deals.
4. Click Select file and upload your spreadsheet.

Step 3: Map your fields

1. Match each spreadsheet column to the correct Pipeline CRM field. If a field doesn't exist yet, create a custom field.
2. Review Pipeline CRM's automatic matches and adjust as needed.
3. For columns you don't want to import, select Ignore this field.

Picklist and dropdown fields — format entries one of two ways: separate multiple values with commas in a single column, or use a separate column for each value.

Step 4: Set defaults and enable duplicate checking (People imports only)

1. Assign these defaults before mapping your fields:

• Person Type — Contact or Lead
• Source
• Owner — every person record requires one. It defaults to the user running the import unless you include an Owner column in your file.
• Tags

1. Enable Check for duplicates.

If these attributes already exist as columns in your spreadsheet, the column values override any selections you make here.

Step 5: Complete the import

1. Click Import Now.
2. The import runs in the background — you'll receive a confirmation email when it's done.
3. If any records failed, the email includes a link to a file with the details.

How duplicate checking works

Record type

How duplicates are found

What happens

Companies

Company name, automatically

An exact match won't import

People

Work Email, when Check for duplicates is enabled

Exact matches are skipped and listed in your confirmation email

Deals

Not checked

Every row imports

Related articles

• Prepare Your File for Import — formatting rules and templates.
• Troubleshooting Imports — solutions to the most common import problems.
• Manage and Undo Imports — review past imports or roll one back.
• Update Existing Records by Import — change records you've already imported.

Need help? Contact support at customercare@pipelinecrm.com.