How to Import Products to Shopify Using CSV

Learn how to efficiently import products to your Shopify store using CSV files. Discover best practices, troubleshooting tips, and post-import optimization techniques.

Adeel Qayum writer profile picture
By Adeel Qayum
Mari Jordaan
Edited by Mari Jordaan

Updated August 5, 2024.

Two business women learning how to import products to Shopify using CSV.

Comma-separated values (CSV) file imports can make a big difference in how you manage your Shopify store. They help you add products more quickly and with fewer mistakes. Let's look at how you can use CSV files to improve your store management.

» Optimize your Shopify inventory with precision

Adeel Qayum writer profile picture

Meet the Expert

Adeel Qayum is a digital content strategist with over a decade of experience creating effective copy for SaaS and B2B companies. He has a Master's Degree in Digital Marketing and specializes in long-form content creation. Adeel has worked with notable clients like Shopify, Oberlo, and AfterShip.



Why CSV Files Matter for eCommerce

CSV files are handy for handling data in online stores. They let you easily move product details, customer information, and sales data between different systems. This makes them very helpful for eCommerce businesses that want to simplify their work.

Using CSV files means you don't have to enter data by hand as much. This cuts down on errors in your product listings. These files also organize information in a way that's easy to analyze, which helps you make better decisions.

When you use CSV files correctly, it can help keep your data accurate, which is important for your business's financial health.

» Learn how to create a custom filter in Shopify—minus the coding

Getting Your CSV File Ready for Shopify

To make a CSV file that works well with Shopify, you need to include certain information. The most important columns are:

  • Handle
  • Title
  • Body (HTML)
  • Vendor
  • Product category
  • Type
  • Tags

Note: If you sell products that come in different sizes or colors, you should also include Option1 Name and Option1 Value.

» Find out what Shopify product tags are and how they affect your store's SEO

Product template


It's important to be precise when you set up your CSV file. Use the column headers exactly as Shopify specifies them. Put each piece of information in the right column, with commas between them. When you do this right, Shopify can read and import your data correctly.

» Understand the difference—Shopify product type vs. collections

How to Import Your CSV File

Follow these steps to import your CSV file to Shopify:

  1. Sign in to your Shopify account and go to the Products section.
  2. Click on Import, then choose your CSV file when prompted.
  3. How to Import Your CSV File: Step 1
    
  4. Choose Add file and attach your CSV file.
  5. How to Import Your CSV File: Step 3
    
  6. Select Upload and preview to start the import.
  7. How to Import Your CSV File: Step 4
    
  8. Look over the preview to make sure everything looks right before you finish the import.

» Discover how to bulk edit inventory in Shopify in seconds

CSV Import Troubleshooting and Verification

If you run into issues while importing, check if you're missing any required information or if some data isn't in the right format. Make sure you've included all the necessary columns and named them correctly.

Tip: Format your data the way Shopify expects, especially for things like dates and numbers.

After you've imported everything, take a look at your new or updated products in Shopify. Check that the names, brands, prices, and other details are correct. If everything matches what was in your CSV file, your import was successful.

» Learn why you should use sample data to test your Shopify store before and after its launch

Streamline Your Import Process

To make importing products even easier, you might want to use tools that check and clean up your data before you upload it to Shopify. This extra step can help prevent errors and save time. It's also a good idea to monitor Shopify's import guidelines, as they might change over time.

Learning to use CSV imports well can help you manage your Shopify store more efficiently. It might take some practice to get it right, but once you do, you'll find it much easier to keep your product catalog organized and up to date. This can be really helpful as your online business grows.

» Know how to show new products in Shopify

Post-Import Product Optimization Tips

After importing your products, try tools like Bestsellers reSort to help you organize your products more effectively. This app can help you arrange your products in ways that could improve your sales and save you time.

Bestsellers reSort lets you set up rules for sorting your products. You can organize items based on their actual revenue or sales or use tags to create a custom order. The app also gives you options to move out-of-stock items to the bottom of lists or highlight new products by pushing them to the top. You just need to upload your CSV once.

» Implement these Shopify product organization best practices today to streamline your operations and boost your sales

Save Time on Product Organization

How you organize your products can affect how well they sell. So, choose Bestsellers reSort to help with this aspect of your store management.



Transform Your Shopify Store With Optimized Product Management

If you're looking to optimize your Shopify store's data management and reduce manual data entry, give CSV imports a try. With a bit of practice and some helpful tools in your corner, you'll be a product management pro in no time. Your future self (and your customers) will thank you for it.

» Ready to simplify your inventory management? Take the first step to a more organized and profitable store

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