Prepare any data you want to import from an external source to make sure that it imports correctly.

Use a text file as a source, such as those with a .txt or .csv extension.

You can use tabs, commas, semi-colons (;), or pipes (|) as your column separators.

Your file can include carriage returns or line feed characters as line separators. However, any text data that contains these characters must be in double quotes.

Double-byte characters aren't supported. Replace these characters before you upload your file.

Note: You can import a zipped file (with a .zip extension) to speed up your import. The zipped file can only contain one file. The file automatically unzips when you import it.

Some languages use different decimal and thousand separators, which can lead to ambiguity. For example, 1,234 means one thousand two hundred and thirty-four in the UK and US, but one point two three four in France.

You can control how the numbers in your data are interpreted with the language setting in your browser. To ensure your data imports correctly, ensure the number format in your file matches your language browser setting.

To change the language setting for your browser, go to Preferences or Settings. If you're not sure, check your browser help.

Note: Many factors can affect the speed of your import. See the Planual for advice on how to prepare your import to maximize efficiency.

If your import file contains dates, you can import dates up until an upper date limit of December 31, 2399. Date values later than this do not import, although other data in an import that includes such dates imports as normal.