---
title: Understanding Import in HubSpot
description: HubSpot's import functionality allows you to add or update multiple records and activities in bulk. This powerful tool helps you maintain your CRM database efficiently by handling large amounts of data at once.
---

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# Understanding Import in HubSpot

## HubSpot's import functionality allows you to add or update multiple records and activities in bulk. This powerful tool helps you maintain your CRM database efficiently by handling large amounts of data at once.

### Types of Imports

#### 1. Single Object/Activity Import

**What You Can Import:**

- Create and update: contacts, companies, deals, tickets, calls, products, custom objects
- Perfect for: Adding new contact lists, updating company information

#### 2. Multiple Object/Activity Import

**What You Can Import:**

- Create and update: contacts, companies, deals, tickets, calls, custom objects
- Create only: emails, meetings, notes, tasks
- Must be associated with objects: emails, meetings, notes
- Perfect for: Adding contacts with their companies, creating deals with associated companies

### Before You Start Importing

#### Prerequisites

1. **Required Permissions:** 
     - Import permissions
     - Edit permissions for relevant objects
     - Proper access levels
2. Prepare your data 
   
     - Clean your data, include only necessary data.
     - File format must be: CSV, XLSX, or XLS (only one sheet).
     - Include clear column headers that match HubSpot property names (Follow the sample template).  
       Must include - Email address, First Name, Last Name.
     - Date are in dd,mm,yyyy format.
   
   Start the import process
   
     - Go to Contact \> Import & Export \> Go to import
     - Click “Start an import”
     - Choose “Import a file”
     - Select contact.

### Best Practices

1. Review your data structure
2. Clean your data
3. Back up existing records
4. Test with a small sample first

### Import Process Step-by-Step

#### 1. Accessing Import Tool

- Click "Import" on object index page, OR
- Navigate to Settings \> Import & Export \> Go to import

#### 2. Starting the Import

1. Click "Import a file"
2. Select import type
3. Choose objects/activities
4. Upload file(s)

#### 3. Import Settings

- Choose import method: 
    - Create and update (ideal)
    - Create new only
    - Update existing only

- Map columns to properties
- Set unique identifiers

#### 4. Map properties

- HubSpot automatically maps columns if headers match known properties
- Manually match any unmapped fields
- Create custom properties if needed
- Make sure required fields are included

#### 5. Final Configuration

- Choose to create list for the import data for the record
- Check for error and fix them

### Important Considerations

#### Data Handling

1. **Unique Identifiers:** 
     - Record ID 
     - Email (contacts)
     - Company domain
     - Custom unique properties
2. **Existing Data:** 
     - Choose whether to overwrite
     - Manage duplicate records
     - Handle association labels

### Troubleshooting Tips

#### Mapping Errors

If you encounter mapping errors during your import, take these specific steps:

- Double-check that your column headers exactly match HubSpot's property names or are clearly related to existing properties.
- Ensure all your dates follow a consistent format throughout your spreadsheet.
- Verify that required fields like email addresses or company names are present and properly formatted.
- Look for any special characters or hidden spaces in your column headers that might prevent proper mapping.

#### Data Format Problems

When your data isn't importing correctly, follow these guidelines:

- Make sure all phone numbers are formatted consistently throughout your spreadsheet.
- Confirm that date fields follow HubSpot's preferred format (YYYY-MM-DD).
- Check that any numeric fields contain only numbers and appropriate decimal points.
- Remove any formatting, formulas, or hidden characters from your spreadsheet.

#### Permission and Access Issues

If you're having trouble accessing the import function:

- Confirm with your HubSpot administrator that you have the necessary import permissions for your role.
- Ensure you have edit permissions for all object types you're trying to import.
- Verify that you have access to modify the specific properties included in your import file.

#### File-Related Problems

When experiencing issues with your import file:

- Confirm that your file size is under HubSpot's maximum limit of 150MB.
- Save your file in a supported format (CSV, XLS, or XLSX).
- Remove any password protection or security features from your spreadsheet.

### After Your Import: Essential Next Steps

#### Immediate Verification Process

#### Record Checking

Take these important verification steps immediately after import:

- Navigate to your imported records and verify that the total number matches your expectations.
- Review a sample of at least 10-15 records to ensure all properties were imported correctly.
- Check that any calculated fields or dependent properties have updated properly.
- Confirm that all custom properties display the correct information.

Click [here](https://app.hubspot.com/guide-creator/g/WfLuoxkAz6) to see how to import with guided content. 

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