Import Categories

fmProducts

To be able to upload data to your online store from a separate CSV file use the Import Wizard tools.

Note: before import implementation, in case you perform it for the first time, we strongly recommend to make a backup of your store database!

In the "Categories" section find the "Import Data" options, which launches the "Start" page of the import process.

1. The "Source selection" step holds the section where you should specify the file, from which your data will be transferred.

Make sure that your file is readable and reachable at the current time. To check this, try to open it before importing.

If you would like to use the import file from HTTP URL, indicate a URL path to your file.

If your file to import has a FTP location, select the relevant checkbox:

To verify the correctness of your FTP credentials go to Preferences -> FTP - > and press the [Test FTP Connection] button.

At the bottom of the "Start" page there is the field where you can select previously saved import configuration:

The unused configurations can be removed from a list after pressing the corresponding option. To clear all configurations list at once use the "Clear list" command.

In order to move to the next step of import, use the numbered buttons on the left or press the lower button called [Next (Page Down)]

2. The "Delimiter" page shows base delimiter characters that are used to separate fields data. You can see the preview of the imported details below.

  • "Quote string values" specifies the character used to separate strings in the CSV file.

If your file contains fields name in the first row, as on the illustration below:

Fields values in rhe first row of import file

select the following checkbox on this step of import. In other cases, leave this field unselected.

3. Next button overturns you to the "Field Links" step.

  • "Identification Fields". During importing the program will search for WooCommerce categories by using the selected identifiers. You can choose the multiple identifiers at once.

On the right upper area, you have an opportunity to set the appropriate skip rule(s) to your imported data. Press the button with the plus to be able to create your own rule:

You can create as many skip rules as you need.

Also, provided you need to use a special formula to customize your data while importing, choose the third type value - "Expression".

Press the [Edit] button to launch the Expression Editor and create a necessary expression formula.

Let's see how the formula should look like:

The left pane "Database Fields" shows the list of fields in your database that can receive import data.

The fields that have the appropriate CSV columns assigned will be updated, the rest unassigned fields will not be changed.

with the corresponding options from the toolbar you can link/unlink selected positions individually.

To add an extended formula to your imported data, which will make more complex changes in the store's data after import, you should use the custom SQL Editor and have some SQL skills to generate the properly SQL query.

Check the chapter about Custom SQL section in Store Manager.

To clear the SQL list click the relevant option next to [Add Custom SQL]:

To open the expression editor you can use the corresponding button on the top toolbar as well:

Make sure whether you have assigned all required columns and fields. Press [Next] to proceed.

4. On the "Options" page, choose one of the import methods as listed below:

Be careful, [Just Add] can lead to duplicate records at your database!

Fields in the "Show Advanced Options" form already contain default values, which may be changed, if necessary.

Specify the full path to the folder with the categories' images. Use [...] button to open the drive system and choose the necessary location.

By pressing the [Import] button you will launch the process of import. It takes some time depending on the data amount you are trying to transfer:

You can save the import configuration to be able to use it during the next import process.

After pressing the [Finish] button you can exit the Wizard and continue to operate with Store Manager.

Check the following useful article for more information about import and make the process successful:

How to import WooCommerce Categories