How to Import Products to Shopify In Bulk with CSV File

Manually adding products to Shopify one by one simply doesn't scale. Whether you're launching a new store, migrating from another platform, or refreshing a large catalog, knowing how to import products to Shopify in bulk via Shopify CSV import will save you hours of repetitive work.

Fortunately, LitExtension – #1 eCommerce Migration Service has just the right and simple way for you to do so. In today’s article, we will guide you through the following key points:

• Guidelines on how to import Shopify products with CSV
• 4 steps to Shopify CSV import with LitExtension
• Troubleshooting common erros when import products to Shopify
• Several useful tips on Shopify bulk upload products via CSV file
• Understanding what is Shopify CSV file

And now, without further ado, let's get the show rolling!

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How To Import Products to Shopify in Bulk with CSV File?

If you are learning how to import Shopify products to Shopify, using the CSV file is the most straightforward way. Shopify's built-in importer accepts a specifically formatted spreadsheet containing all your product data nd processes everything in one go. Follow the steps below to do it correctly.

Follow these steps below to do it correctly.

Step #1. Download a sample CSV file

To start with, download a Shopify import products CSV file template and make changes to the file. The sample data set includes an example field with its related information. Before generating your import file, remember to delete the sample so it doesn’t mix up with your actual items.

For instance, with the product import Shopify file, the sample data set includes a product and its variants. Meanwhile, the file format for Shopify import customers contains two default customer profiles with their email addresses and phone numbers.

Step #2. Format your CSV file

Make sure your Shopify import products file satisfies the following conditions so it may be used correctly:

• The column headings for each field in your products import file must be filled on the first line.
• When exporting a Shopify file from Excel, double-check the options to ensure that commas will be used to separate the data.

When uploading your products to the Shopify import file, the two columns “Title” and “Handle” are necessary.

The “Email” column must be included in the Customers file, but the value may be left blank. If this column is absent, your CSV file import will fail. Moreover, CSV file headers are case-sensitive, so be careful when you enter the value.

Step #3. Include the required columns

Next up, specify your data sets by adding value to the columns. Below is a full list of required columns that you must include in your Shopify import file for products, customers, Shopify order history, etc. Otherwise, you might run into trouble while performing Shopify CSV import.

For more details, you can check out Shopify’s guidelines on how to import products and customers to Shopify.

Step #4. Upload CSV file to Shopify

Once you have finished creating or editing the Shopify import products file, let’s upload it to the system. However, please make sure that your file fulfills the following requirements:

• Customer CSV files must be less than 1 MB in size to be imported.
• The size limit for your product CSV is 15 MB.

From your Shopify dashboard, navigate to the Products or Customers page, where you can quickly notice the “Import” button right at the top. Click on “Add file” and choose the CSV file you want to import.

For Shopify update purposes, you can select the overwriting options. Then click on “Update & Continue”.

Review your file before hitting the “Import” button!

And that's how you can manually import your products to Shopify via CSV file.

Related post: How to Easily Shopify Import Orders and Customers.

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How To Shopify CSV Import With LitExtension In 4 Steps?

With the manual method, when importing products to Shopify, you will have to deal with a wide range of challenges to get to the final result. In short, it is much more time-consuming and prone to human errors.

A great way to avoid exhaustion from repeatedly modifying the Shopify import products file is to go with a reputable Shopify product upload service. While there are plenty of options out there (such as Matrixify, Plytix, or Firebear Studio), LitExtension stands out as one of the most trusted and dependable solutions. Over the years, we have earned a 4.9/5 for the customer satisfaction score on Trustpilot. Also, we have been listed as a reliable Shopify partner for migration services. 

Upon choosing our CSV Files Migration service, we will assign a Personal Assistant to take care of your Shopify import products. They are responsible for keeping track of the whole project as well as answering any of your questions within 12 hours. What’s more, you also gain free access to all the premium options such as SEO URLs Migration, Customer Password Migration, etc.

Before getting started, here’s a quick recap of all the steps needed:

• Step 1: Send your file to our experts
• Step 2: Customize your CSV file
• Step 3: Run Full Migration
• Step 4: Start your new journey

Not gonna let you wait any longer, it’s time!

Step #1. Send your file to our experts

Initially, our experts will need to collect your CSV file and understand the specific requirements of the task. To do so, LitExtension will schedule a 1-1 consultation session to ensure we fully comprehend your migration project. It is important that we’re on the same wavelength since the final result is directly related to the effectiveness of teamwork.

Upload your CSV file to Google Drive or Dropbox and share access with LitExtension. We will then collect your file and move to the next step of the Shopify import products.

Step #2. Customize your CSV file

With the gathered CSV file, now leave it to the LitExtension experts. No need to format the file; we’ll do it for you. Our technical specialists will modify all files to meet your specific needs, conduct a demo, and then double-check the demo results to ensure a smooth Shopify import products via CSV process.

Step #3. Run Full Shopify CSV import

Once you approve the demo results, our professionals will start to import products from any website to Shopify while keeping a tight eye on everything that goes on. LitExtension Smart Controller will identify any occurred problems, and our team will promptly address them.

Rest assured that your migration project is in good hands. You can solely focus on thriving your business, and we will notify you when the migration is completed.

Step #4. Start selling on Shopify

Before we give over your data, our Quality Assurance Executive will double-check the final migration results to guarantee they meet your standards.

Furthermore, since your existing store will continue to function normally throughout the Shopify import products with the CSV file, there’s a higher chance that there will be new data updated or modified. To deal with this, LitExtension also offers post-migration activities, including:

• Recent Data Migration: migrate all newly created data during the CSV import process to Shopify seamlessly.
• Re-migration: import the CSV file to Shopify again in case there are errors happening or you’re not satisfied with the result.
• Smart Update: update only the new data appearing after the last CSV import.

For customers utilizing our CSV Files Migration Service, these are entirely free of charge in the first 3 months.

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Common Errors with Shopify CSV Import and How to Solve Them

Quick Shopify CSV import can be a huge time-saver, but only if the file is formatted correctly. Otherwise, the platform will flag it with an error message, and you won’t be able to complete the import until it’s resolved!
Fortunately, most of these issues are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Below are some of the most common CSV problems and how to troubleshoot them:

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Tips for Successful Shopify CSV Import

Since the manual guide for Shopify CSV import requires multiple steps to complete, there are a few tips that we think might be helpful for you:

• Make two copies of your CSV so that you may make changes to one while keeping the other as a backup.
• If there are any mistakes in your CSV file import, Shopify will replace the original products, and you will lose them forever.
• How about the CSV image? For your information, the images associated with your products are not duplicated when you save a CSV. Hence, we recommend storing an extra copy of the product images in another folder just in case the worst scenario happens.
• Ensure that your Shopify CSV import file has been accurately formatted. Otherwise, Shopify won’t be able to read CSV files and handle your data.
• You cannot import products via a CSV file manually when using a dropshipping app. The issues that might happen are missing links, outdated pricing, out-of-date stock, and orders not delivered to the supplier.

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Shopify CSV Import: FAQs

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Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Shopify CSV import is crucial whether you're looking to migrate from other platforms to Shopify or are just getting started with eCommerce. Depending on the database size, the procedure may require a lot of time, technical expertise, and data corruption. 

Hope this Shopify Tutorial will help you import products to Shopify easier. For more information on how to add inventory to Shopify, check out our LitExtension Blog or Resources now.