WooCommerce Import Products 2024: How to Import to WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is among the most user-friendly eCommerce platforms out there. Nevertheless, some users still struggle with certain features, such as the WooCommerce import products processes. We're here to help!

There are 3 ways to import products to WooCommerce:

• Use the built-in importer
• Install extensions and plugins 
• Purchase LitExtension Migration packages

Without further ado, let’s get started!

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WooCommerce Import Products Guide: How to Import to WooCommerce

To import products to WooCommerce, prepare a CSV import file with all the product information first, then go to “All Products” → “Products” → “Import” → “Choose File”. Upload the CSV and click “Run The Importer.”

Step 1. Prepare your CSV file

First, you must have a CSV file ready with all the product information. The file must meet WooCommerce's general requirements, so take time to read through and double-check all the fields. Here are 7 key reminders:

• Ensure your WooCommerce import CSV is in UTF-8 format.
• Set dates according to your store's local time zone.
• Use 1 or 0 in your CSV when importing a Boolean value (true or false).
• Separate multiple values in a field with commas
• Wrap values in quotes if they contain a comma.
• When referencing an existing product ID, prefix it with “id:” (for example, id:100)
• Use “>” to indicate hierarchy in taxonomy terms, and separate these terms with commas.

However, this step (and the rest of our guide) does not include the product images import. You must either upload them beforehand or make sure they're already available online.

Step 2. Start your import

Go to “All Products” → “Products” → “Import.” On the new screen that opens up, upload your prepared WooCommerce CSV template file.

Next, click “Choose file” and select your CSV import file. If this CSV file uses a different symbol to separate data (e.g., a semicolon instead of a comma), type that symbol into the “CSV delimiter” box under the Advanced settings.

Once done, click “Continue” to move to Step 3.

Step 3. Let WooCommerce import products

On the follow-up screen, WooCommerce will automatically match the columns from your CSV file with the correct fields.

You can use the dropdown menus on the right side to modify these matches (or choose “Do not import” for columns you don't want to include). Any columns that WooCommerce doesn't recognize will be skipped by default.

After that, click “Run the importer” to upload WooCommerce import products. Do not refresh or leave the page until the import concludes!

Step 4. (Optional) Update existing products

Weeks or months after the import, you must update your products with new details (for special occasions like Black Friday or Christmas). Fortunately, you can still use the same CSV importer tool for these changes! Here's how:

• First, create a CSV file (just like in Step 1) that includes the SKUs or IDs of the products that need updates. The WooCommerce importer will later use them to match and update the products in your store.
• Next, go to “All Products” → “Products” → “Import” to bring out the “Upload CSV file” screen. Next, click ‘Choose file' to select the file you want to use.
• Tick the “Update existing products” checkbox. Then, click “Continue” and repeat Step 3 above to complete your update.

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Extensions and Plugins for WooCommerce Import Products

To import WooCommerce products, you can upload your import file via apps like WP All Import, Product Import Export for WooCommerce, and Product CSV Import Suite for WooCommerce.

WP All Import

With more than 200,000 active installations, WP All Import is among the most widely used import plugins for WooCommerce. It's easy to use, has excellent import speed, and comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee.

You must have a solid grasp of both its strengths and limitations now. Here’s a quick guide on how to import WooCommerce products using this plugin:

Step 1. Create a new WooCommerce product import

First, go to “All Import” → “New Import” in your WordPress dashboard. Select or upload the file you want to import (CSV, XML, Excel, or even Google Sheets format). After that, choose “WooCommerce product” from the dropdown menu and click “Continue.”

Step 2. Review your import file

On the “Review import file” screen, you can check the data for accuracy:

• If you're importing a CSV or Google Sheets file, adjust the field delimiter (e.g., comma, semicolon).
• If importing an XML or Excel file, choose which parent node to use for the import.

If necessary, use the “Manage filtering options” section (at the screen's bottom) to limit which products get imported. (e.g., only import products above a certain price). Once done, click “Continue” to move on.

Step 3. Map data elements to product fields

Now, you will see a Drag & Drop interface, allowing you to map each field in your import file to the corresponding WooCommerce product fields.

First, drag your data elements to the fields designed for the WooCommerce product title and description. Then, expand the “WooCommerce add-on” section to define the Product type (e.g., Simple, Variable).

After that, configure the product details. There are six tabs to manage this part:

• General Tab: Map fields for SKU, regular price, sale price, and adjust prices if needed. You can also set if the product is virtual or downloadable.
• Inventory Tab: Manage stock settings, stock status, backorder options, and whether the product is sold individually.
• Shipping Tab: Set the product's weight, dimensions, and shipping class.
• Linked Products Tab: Define up-sells, cross-sells, and grouped products.
• Attributes Tab: Import product attributes for better sorting (e.g., color, size).
• Advanced Tab: Set purchase notes, menu order, enable reviews, and set catalog visibility.

After mapping all the necessary fields, click “Continue” to move to Step 4.

Step 4. Configure product import settings

Use the “Auto-detect” button to generate a unique identifier for the import and ensure each product is correctly identified.

Below this section are “Scheduling options” and “Advanced settings,” but in most cases, the current default settings are sufficient for the import. You can revisit these options if needed later. For now, click ‘Continue' to move on.

Step 5. Run the import and verify the results

The “Confirm & run” screen will show a summary of the import settings (which you have configured up to Step 4). Double-check everything, then click “Confirm & run import” to start the import process.

After the import concludes, go to “Products” → “All Products” in your WordPress menu to confirm all WooCommerce products were properly imported.

Product Import Export for WooCommerce by WebToffee

This popular WooCommerce product import plugin has been used by 90,000+ users, allowing you to import data files from any exporter plugin directly into your WooCommerce store. Even better, it comes with a solid 30-day money-back guarantee and offers 3 subscription options to suit your needs.

Once you have selected the subscription plan that suits you best, follow our 3-step guide below to kickstart your import process:

Step 1. Choose post type and import method

First, choose “Product” in the “Select a post type to import” section. The screen will show three import methods to choose from:

• Quick import: Recommended if your input file was previously exported using the same plugin.
• Pre-saved template: You can use a template from a previous import to preserve the same filter settings and column specifications. These templates only appear if you saved them during past imports.
• Advanced import: This option allows detailed filtering, column selection, and other more advanced features. The entire process can be saved as a template for future use.

Tick the box next to your preferred option, then move on to Step 2.

Step 2. Map import columns

Edit the column names as needed. The mapping options include default fields, attributes, and taxonomies. You may use the pipe symbol “|” to add multiple tags for each option (e.g., “Black|Blue|Green”).

If you choose the “Advanced import” option in Step 1, there will be additional settings to:

• Import in batches
• Match products by SKU or ID
• Skip or update existing products

Choose the options that best suit your needs, and save this template for future imports.

Step 3. Complete the import

Finally, click “Import” and complete your WooCommerce import products process. Double-check the results to confirm all your chosen product data have been successfully uploaded to WooCommerce.

Product CSV Import Suite for WooCommerce

Product CSV Import Suite is your best choice if you're looking for a plugin produced by WooCommerce itself. You don't need to worry about compatibility problems with your WooCommerce store. Plus, it can handle custom product details like add-on services (e.g., gift wrapping) and buy-one-get-one special deals.

It's a WooCommerce-issued plugin, so the import process is quite similar to what you'd experience with WooCommerce's built-in feature. However, the interface is much more streamlined this time. After editing your CSV file, you only need 3 simple steps for your WooCommerce import products process:

• Go to “WooCommerce” → “CSV Import Suite” → “Import Products.”
• Select “Choose File.” Upload your CSV file from your computer or another location and ensure the delimiter is set to a comma. Then, click “Upload file and import.”
• Review and adjust the column headers so they match the correct fields in WordPress (like the image below). Finally, click “Submit”.

That's it! You will see a real-time update of all your successful imports.

Advanced WooCommerce Import Products with LitExtension

To perform the ultimate WooCommerce import, choose one of the two LitExtension Migration packages. The Automated Migration lets you handle the migration yourself, while the All-in-One Migration allows you to leave everything to the experts.

Signing up for a LitExtension account is straightforward. Just navigate to this link to register your name, email address, and password, then hit “Register.” After that, proceed to the following guide:

Automated Migration

Step 1. Set up your source cart and target cart

On the Migration page, select “Create new migration”. Choose your Source Cart type (the store you are migrating from) and provide the Source Cart URL.

After that, connect LitExtension with your store quickly using one of these three options:

• Install Connector (for Open-source stores)
• Provide API keys (for Hosted carts)
• Import CSV files

For all three options, detailed instructions will be available on the right side of the screen during the entire process. Follow through to finish setting up everything!

Once done with the Source Cart, move on to the Target Cart (WooCommerce). Choose “WooCommerce” from the drop-down list, provide the store's URL, and then install a connector to connect LitExtension to your store. Like with the Source Cart, there are step-by-step instructions on the right side of the screen to guide you through the connecting process.

After that, click “Next: Configure your migration” to proceed to Step 2.

Step 2. Configure the migration

Select the entities you want to migrate (shown in the image below). Or, if you want to migrate all data types, click “Select All.”

Beyond basic entities like Customers, Products, and Orders, there are also extra options to help you further customize and extend the migration process.

Step 3. Run demo migration and full migration

Scroll to the end of the Configuration page and click “Next: Start Free Demo Migration.” You can transfer 20 entities for free here! After the demo, you will receive an email to confirm all the imported entities. If satisfied with the results, return to the Configuration page and click “Start Full Migration.”

(How about going straight to the full migration without a demo? Check the “Skip demo migration” box and click “Start Full Migration.”)

That's it! Now, sit back and wait until the migration finishes.

All-in-One Migration (recommended)

The Automated Migration package above is easy to use, but you still have to handle each step yourself. Also, for highly complex requirements, you need a more inclusive option that allows for personalized requests. That's why we strongly recommend the All-in-One Migration! Follow this easy guide:

Step 1. Consultant by LitExtension Experts

First, reach out to our expert team. We will discuss with you exactly what you want to transfer, whether it's products, orders, blog posts, or any specific requests you might have.

Throughout the exchange, our team will clearly explain our services and pricing so you can choose the best option for your needs. Once you have made the payment, sit back and leave the rest to us.

Step 2. Data mapping and setting by experts

With a clear understanding of your requirements, our team will prepare everything for the migration. This involves:

• Setting up your new WooCommerce store
• Installing any necessary plugins
• Removing any sample data
• Creating 301 redirects

If you want to learn how the migration works, we will provide you with unlimited demos!

Step 3. Perform full eCommerce replatforming

Finally, as mentioned, we handle the full migration process while keeping you updated throughout to ensure everything is transferred correctly. After the migration, we double-check everything and address technical issues (if any) until you are ready to launch your business on WooCommerce.

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How to Conduct Reviews After WooCommerce Import

After uploading WooCommerce import products, check the essentials like product details, images, and inventory levels. Then, test the store's functionality and performance with fresh eyes. Finally, seek feedback from your team and loyal customers to catch anything you have missed.

Verify Import Data

Take a close look at your product details to confirm the product names, descriptions, and prices stay exactly the same. Otherwise, any mistake here will confuse and alienate your customers. Likewise, turn your attention to the visuals and ensure that every image is in its rightful place, from thumbnails to galleries.

Next, verify stock levels carefully. You wouldn't want to sell an item that's actually out of stock or show “0 available” for a hot product that's ready to ship. A quick comparison of stock quantities pre- and post-migration will save you from future headaches.

Test Store Functionality

The checkout process is the center of your store; if it's broken, you're losing money.

So, place a few test orders yourself. Add products to the cart, apply a coupon, and proceed through the checkout as if you were a customer. Make sure that:

• Taxes and shipping costs are being calculated correctly.
• The payment gateway processes transactions smoothly
• Your products show up in the right categories and are easy to browse.

Conduct Performance Testing

Next, let's see how well the site performs under pressure. Use Google PageSpeed Insights or similar tools to see if your homepage, product pages, and checkout are loading fast or slowly. If there is a delay, look for the culprits (such as oversized images or clunky code) and optimize them to speed up the loading.

Seek Feedback

After addressing the major issues, bring in fresh eyes from your team and your own buyers. They can spot problems that you have overlooked! Loyal customers are even better; they are already familiar with your store and will offer honest opinions.

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Troubleshooting Common WooCommerce Import Problems

To troubleshoot problems with WooCommerce import products, ensure your CSV file is saved in UTF-8 format and verify that product image URLs are correct and accessible to avoid missing images. For stalled imports or duplicate products, adjust server PHP settings and enable the “Update existing products” option during import.

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WooCommerce Import Products: FAQs

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Final Words

This article has detailed various methods for WooCommerce import products, each with its own advantages.
Nevertheless, to migrate your ENTIRE store to WooCommerce, the best choice is to partner with the LitExtension team. With over 12 years of experience, our LitExtension #1 eCommerce Migration Expert team has successfully migrated stores for more than 200,000 customers across 100 countries. Count on us to be there for you every step of the way, whether before, during, or even after your WooCommerce migration!

For more information, check out our WooCommerce guides or join our Facebook Community Group.