Summary
The Import from File feature lets you bulk-add products to a Schedule by uploading a CSV. Each row in your CSV becomes a custom product entry. Errors during import almost always trace back to how the file is structured — this article walks you through exactly what to prepare.
Before You Begin
You must have Admin, Creator, or Editor permissions on the project. Viewers cannot import.
Your file must be a CSV (
.csv) and must be 25MB or smaller.Download the import template before building your file from scratch
The template includes a Template sheet with pre-formatted columns: Product Name, Manufacturer Name, Product URL, MasterFormat Section, Cost, Notes, and placeholder columns for your own fields. Replace the sample data with your actual product information, then export as CSV before uploading.
📝 Note: The template downloads as .xlsx. Do not upload the .xlsx file directly. Before importing, save or export the Template sheet as a CSV: File > Download > Comma Separated Values (.csv).
Step 1: Structuring Your File
Think of your CSV like a spreadsheet with a strict bouncer at the door. The headers in row 1 are the bouncer's list — if a column doesn't get recognized or mapped during import, its data won't come through.
✅ Do:
Keep headers in Row 1
Keep each row after row 1 as one product — flat, no sub-rows or grouped sections
❌ Don't:
Add extra header rows or merge cells
Use special characters in column headers
Leave empty rows between products
Include totals, summaries, or formulas in the data rows
Step 2: Include a Product Column
The import requires at least one column mapped to the Product field. Without it, you can't proceed past the field-mapping step. This column should contain the product name or model identifier. The template labels this column Product Name.
Step 3: Match Data Types to Field Types
Acelab validates each CSV column's data against the type of schedule field it's mapped to. This is the most common source of import errors. Think of it like plugging in the right adapter — the shape has to match before anything flows through.
Here's how each field type behaves:
URL Fields
Should include
http://orhttps://Invalid URLs will still import but may not be clickable in the Schedule
Text Fields
Examples: product names, descriptions, notes
Accept any alphanumeric characters and symbols
No validation warnings
Number Fields
Examples: warranty period, unit cost, quantities
Must contain only numeric values (integers or decimals)
Do not include commas for formatting (use
1000, not1,000)Do not include currency symbols (
$,€) or units (years,lbs,sf)Do not include text alongside the number (use
10, not10 years)Invalid data does not block the import — it results in empty cells after import
Number Fields (Multiple Value)
Each value in the cell should be separated by a comma
List Fields
Accept text values that match list options. Any options that do not match the existing list option will be added as new options.
List Fields (Multiple)
Each option in the cell should be separated by a comma
Your CSV data | Acelab field type | Result |
Text (e.g., "N/A", "See spec") | Number field | Import error — blocks the import |
Number list (e.g., "1, 2, 3") | Single Number field | Import error — data loss risk |
Text with units (e.g., "10 years") | Number field | Empty cell — data is dropped silently |
Numbers only (e.g., 12.5) | Text field | Warning only — import proceeds |
Step 4: Avoid Duplicate Column Headers
Each Acelab schedule field can only be assigned to one CSV column at a time. If you try to map two columns to the same Acelab field, the import will flag an error at the mapping step. Make sure every column header in your CSV is unique.
Step 5: Review Before You Upload
Before uploading, do a quick pass:
Confirm Row 1 is headers, not data.
Confirm there are no empty rows between products.
Confirm no merged cells, formulas, or summary rows are present.
Confirm number columns contain only numeric values — no units, currency symbols, or text.
Confirm special characters are removed from column headers.
Confirm the file is saved as
.csv, not.xlsxor.xls.
How the Import Works (Overview)
Once your file is ready, the import follows three steps:
Upload — Select and upload your CSV file.
Assign Fields — Acelab reads your column headers and suggests field mappings. Review and adjust each mapping. Use the All / Assigned / Unassigned filters to manage large files. Use Create Field to add a new custom field if a column doesn't match an existing one.
Complete — Acelab imports the data in the background. You can close the modal and keep working — you'll receive a notification when it's done.
After import, all products appear in the All Products view. Verify data accuracy in the schedule table.
If any columns are left unassigned at step 2, you'll be asked to confirm before proceeding. Unassigned columns are skipped — their data will not appear in the Schedule.
Common Errors and What to Do
⚠️ "Invalid File format" Your file is not a .csv. Re-export from Excel or Google Sheets as CSV and try again.
⚠️ "File exceeds limit" Your file is over 25MB. Split it into smaller batches and import in multiple passes.
⚠️ "This schedule field is already assigned" Two columns are mapped to the same Acelab field. Assign one to a different field, or select Don't Import for the duplicate.
⚠️ "Unable to start CSV import" / "We couldn't process your import" This is a system-level error. Wait a moment and try again. If it persists, contact Acelab support.
Mapping step: type mismatch warning (⚠️) A column's data type doesn't match the field it's mapped to. Review the field type guidance above and either clean the column data or remap it to a compatible field type.
Outcome
After a successful import, each row in your CSV appears as a custom product row in your Schedule. You can then add fields, update approval status, and manage those products like any other Schedule entry.