Bulk import data into Zaps

tutorial

Last updated: August 13, 2019

Zapier University

Importing/Exporting Data With Zapier

A regular question we get at Zapier is: Can Zapier import/export my data from App A to App B?

Unfortunately, Zapier is not designed to mass import/export your data between two apps. We can only trigger from new data added to App A and send it over to App B only after creating and turning on a Zap.

While Zapier can't natively import/export existing data from one app to another, we do have methods one can employ to get around this limitation.

If you are able to get your data into a spreadsheet format like an Excel or CSV file, you can use Google Sheets as an intermediary app in creating a Zap that mimics an import/export function of data from one app to another.

1. Setting up the Google Sheet

First, you will need to export your data into something such as a CSV file. In Row 1, copy in the column headers from your imported spreadsheet file:

From there, paste those over to the new Google Sheets Row 1:

Now, go back to your imported spreadsheet file, copy the second row of data:

Paste those over to the Google Sheet Row 2:

2. Create the Google Sheets Zap

To setup the trigger, use the "New Spreadsheet Row" Trigger and point it to the new Google Sheets spreadsheet that you've created in Part 1.

Afterwards, set up the action for the app you want the data sent to.

Example

In this example, we are transferring over the information to a CRM app.

When setting up the action template, you should see all the columns from the spreadsheet as available fields which you can use to map out the action template.

Once you've finished setting up and testing the Action template, turn on your Zap!

3. Copy your data to your Google Sheet

Now your Zap is set up, you can then copy the remaining data from the imported spreadsheet into the Google Sheet. Make sure that you're properly pasting to the right columns. After you've copied your data into the Google Sheet, the Zap you've created will trigger from these newly added rows.

Heads Up

If you have hundreds or thousands of rows in your spreadsheet, you may get throttling errors if you try to copy them all at once. We recommend copying them in at a rate no greater than 100 rows every 20 minutes.

After you've copied your data over, you're all set now!

Tip

If you have multiple types of objects you'd like to create such as contacts, leads, opportunities, etc you'll need a different Zap for each of those, as they'll each require a different Action from the Zap.

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