Start Guided Import, review mappings, and find import results

Choose the appropriate starting point

Open School Dashboard → Data Import → Import Files. Existing CSV Import Configurations let you upload a replacement file to refresh the corresponding data. For a new configuration, choose Upload New Data Type for Guided Import. Advanced Upload opens the separate advanced configuration flow. Do not create a new data type each time you refresh an existing configuration.

Guided Import recommends enabling organization AI. You can also map fields manually without enabling AI.

Step 1: Upload your File

1. Optionally download Sample CSV for Basic Constituent Data or Sample CSV for Basic Gift History. Templates are formatting guides, not mandatory files.
2. Enter Add a Name for Your File and select the actual File Encoding. Choose the encoding used by your file.
3. Use Choose File or drag a CSV into Upload Your File.
4. Select Save & Next. This uploads the file and creates the configuration; it is not simply a local preview.

For a new configuration, Save & Next requires a file, encoding and name. A non-CSV extension produces Unsupported file type. Duplicate headers are rejected; comparison ignores capitalization and surrounding spaces. Give every column a distinct name rather than changing case alone.

Map and configure your fields

Map the Fields separates Fields Needing Review from Matches. Review each column's destination and category, including automatically proposed matches. Resolve required fields and unmatched columns before Next becomes available. Use Ignore Field only for a column intentionally excluded from import. Mapping changes are saved as they are made; do not treat the mapping screen as an unsaved sandbox.

If Failed to map fields appears, the interface directs you to continue with manual configuration. That message does not confirm that every record has failed to import or that automatic suggestions are correct.

Configure the Fields lets you define custom and date fields. Review the displayed labels, data types and date formats before Start Import. Empty custom-field labels prevent starting. If there are no custom/date fields, the screen explains that the file is ready to start. Starting the import is a separate action from saving the initial upload.

Field Mapping Locked means that the configuration is active or processing imports. Do not bypass the lock by repeatedly uploading or deleting configuration records; inspect the existing configuration and import status or ask support for help changing its mapping safely.

Find progress and diagnose errors

Open Data Import → Import History. Check the correct configuration/file, Status, Test Import?, # Errors and Import Source. Click the status to open Import Results. For a failed result, expand Error Details → Show Details. An error about missing/invalid headers or a named missing column means the file must match the configuration's expected columns.

Download Original File retrieves the original file, not a failed-row-only export. Modify Import Configuration returns to the configuration for correction. Check what imported successfully before retrying. See import behavior and troubleshooting for record-specific rules.