How to Import Products to Shopify In Bulk Using CSV Files

Importing products to Shopify in bulk using CSV files is a massive time-saver, especially if you have a large inventory or are just setting up your store.

In this article, I will walk you through how to import products using CSV files in Shopify, helping you set up your store faster and focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Let’s go!

Preparing Your Product CSV File

The very first step is to get the CSV file right in the first place. Shopify has a product import CSV template that you should follow to make sure the import runs smoothly and error-free. 

This file includes the required fields you need to fill out:

• Handle: A unique identifier for each product. Avoid spaces and special characters.
• Title: The product's name as it will appear on your site
• Body (HTML): The full product description formatted in HTML
• Vendor: The brand name or the manufacturer of the product
• Type: A category for the product
• Tags: Keywords that help customers find the product
• Price: The selling price of the product
• SKU: A unique stock-keeping unit identifier
• Inventory: The amount of products available 
• Images: The filenames or URLs of the product images 
• Published: Set to TRUE to make products visible in your store.
• Option1 Name, Option1 Value, Option2 Name, Option2 Value, etc.: These columns are for your product variants (e.g., "Size," "Small," "Color," "Blue").

Before starting the import CSV Shopify process, you should organize and clean your product data. Here are some tips to help you prepare the file effectively:

• Review the data to identify any missing fields, such as prices, SKUs, or titles. 
• Ensure that all entries follow a consistent format. For example, if you use YYYY-MM-DD, stick to this across all data fields. 
• If your CSV file is larger than 15 MB, consider compressing it or dividing it into smaller batches. 
• Scan and remove any duplicate products or variants. 
• Avoid special characters
• Double-check spelling and grammar

Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Product CSV File To Shopify

Once your product file is ready, follow the steps below to import products with CSV to Shopify:

Step 1: Log into your Shopify admin panel and click Products from the menu on the left-hand side. 

Step 2: On the Products page, click Import to start uploading products to Shopify using your CSV file.

Step 3: Click Add file and choose the file from your computer to upload.

Step 4: Select Overwrite products with matching handles if you want your existing values to be replaced for all columns included in the CSV.

Step 5: Click Upload and preview.

Step 6: Preview your first product; if everything looks right, click Import products.

When your CSV file is uploaded, you receive a confirmation email from Shopify.

Post-Import Actions

Once you’ve imported your products, there are a few essential steps to ensure everything looks good and is ready for customers. Here’s what I recommend doing right after the import:

• Go through your Products section in Shopify and check each product. Ensure all titles, descriptions, prices, and images appear as expected. Look out for any formatting issues or missing information.
• If you spot any errors, you can update your CSV file and re-import or edit it from the Shopify admin.
• Confirm that stock levels are accurate for each product, especially if you manage inventory. For products with multiple variants (like sizes or colors), make sure all options are correctly displayed and priced.
• Confirm that the product titles, descriptions, and URLs are optimized for search engines.
• If you haven't already done so, add your products to relevant collections.

There can be many import issues, such as missing headers or file size limitations. For further assistance in troubleshooting these problems, refer to our article on common import issues. We provide solutions to ensure a smooth transition and accurate product listings. 

If you encounter issues, such as missing images, incorrect prices, or formatting errors, check out how to troubleshoot common CSV import problems or reach out to the Shopify Help Center right away.

Tips for a Smooth Products Import With CSV File to Shopify

To avoid import issues and ensure an error-free import product CSV Shopify process, check out the following tips:

• Use Shopify’s CSV Template: Always start with Shopify’s official CSV template. This ensures you have the correct format and required fields, reducing the risk of errors during import.
• Prepare a backup: Always create a backup of your existing product data to guarantee that you don't lose any original data in case issues occur during the import. 
• Check image URLs: All image URLs must be accessible and public. Your products won't have images due to inaccessible or broken URLs. 
• Test with a Small Batch: If you’re importing many products, start by uploading a small batch. This lets you catch any errors early before applying them across your entire inventory.

Importing CSV Files To Shopify Additional Method: Using Third-party Apps

If you’re looking for extra flexibility and functionality, third-party apps can simplify the CSV import process and add advanced features that aren’t available with Shopify’s native tools. These apps are especially useful if you have a complex inventory or frequently update your product data.

The most common choices are:

Matrixify

Matrixify helps Shopify stores manage large data, including bulk imports, updates, exports, and migrations. With this app, you can even schedule imports and exports, set up auto-repeats, and monitor jobs in real time. It also includes a backup and restore function, ensuring security for complex stores.   

AutoDS

AutoDS is a comprehensive app tailored for dropshipping. It offers one-click imports and smart product optimization features that refine titles, descriptions, prices, and images for each imported item. You can also use this app to automatically fulfill orders while you are offline. 

Read more: Best Shopify Product Importer Apps in 2024

Bottom Line

Using a Shopify import products CSV file is one of the most effective ways to manage large-scale product uploads to your store. This method lets you control your product details, ensuring accuracy while saving time. Hopefully, you will find this guide helpful.

FAQs

What is the daily product import limit on Shopify?

If you're using one of the Shopify plans, this limit is typically 1,000 products per day (applied for Shopify stores with over 50,000 variants). 

Why can't I import my CSV file?

Data value issues are a common source of CSV import errors. They occur when your data is too short or too long or when you use invalid characters. 

Can I import products from other platforms to Shopify using CSV files?

Yes, but you may need to reformat the CSV file to match Shopify’s template. Third-party apps can also help streamline imports from other platforms.

Will importing a CSV file delete my existing products?

No, importing a new CSV file will not delete existing products unless you explicitly choose to overwrite data by using a re-import.

Can I use Google Sheets to prepare my CSV file?

Yes, you can create and edit your file in Google Sheets, then download it as a CSV file before uploading it to Shopify.