# Import data templates
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Also see [Data Migration](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/live-in-5/must-read-data-migration).
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## Need to know
You can import data into your system using .xlsx import templates.
These are located at:
Setup>Import Data
* Each worksheet has instructions on the first tab. Make sure you read them. I repeat make sure you read them.
* Each sheet in the worksheet has columns with notes, pay attention to the notes. I repeat, pay attention to the notes.
* The blue columns are Syntax sensitive, meaning that if the Syntax is wrong, then the import will not work.
* You have to put data in the columns with yellow headers.
* Worksheets update existing data if the data imported is different from the existing data.
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**Before you import** lots of rows of data, import a couple of rows and check they look as you expect in the app.
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If you don’t have Excel software installed, then get yourself a free Gmail account. Set up your Gmail account and then use Google Sheets to populate. When you are done, export the spreadsheet as a .xlsx file.
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### Importing data to fields that are not in the templates
If you want to import data into fields that are not specified on the import templates, you can add additional columns:
#### Standard fields
Add an additional column at the end of the columns in the import template. Name the column the same as the label on the field in your system. **Precede the column name with a $ sign. For example, $Label name.**
#### Custom field
An additional column at the end of the columns in the import template. Name the column the same as the label on the custom field in your system.
### Import templates
| Template | Notes |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Workers | See '[Workers and Users](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/company/workers-and-users)'. |
| Accounts | See '[Chart of Accounts](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/accounting#_1gfe7fi4amfy)'. |
| Payment Terms | See '[Payment Terms](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/accounting/payment-terms)'. |
| Classification Types | See '[Classifications](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/setup/configuration/classifications)'. |
| Leads | See '[Leads](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/sales/leads)'. |
| Prospects | See '[Prospects](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/sales/prospects)'. |
| Customers | See ['Customers](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/sales/customers)'. |
| Suppliers | See '[Suppliers](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/purchasing/suppliers)'. |
| Contacts | See '[Contacts](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/organizer/contacts)'. |
| Items | See '[Items](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/products-services/items-which-ones)'. |
| Items Extra Info | See 'Items Extra Info' |
| Preferred Suppliers | See '[Preferred Suppliers](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/products-services/items-which-ones/preferred-suppliers)'. |
| Customer Item Codes | See 'Customer Item Codes'. |
| Base Price List | See '[Advanced Price Lists](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/products-services/advanced-price-lists)'. |
| Item Site Data | See 'Item Site Data'. |
| Upload Transactions | See ['Migrate Transactions](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/live-in-5/must-read-data-migration/migrate-transactions)'. |
| Upload Journals | See '[General Journals](https://helpwith.salesorder.com/accounting/general-journals)'. |
### Using the Import templates
#### **Step 1: Download a template**
From The Explorer, click Setup- > Import Data this displays the Import Data page. From here you can download the appropriate Excel Template.
Click 'Download' to save a template on your local machine. You can rename the templates with versions if necessary, e.g, Import Customers May 2023. Make sure you keep the .xlsx extension.
#### Step 2: Populate the template with your data
Open the saved Excel spreadsheet and locate the relevant 'Sheet' for example 'Customers'.
Note that the columns are either yellow or grey. Yellow signifies a mandatory column that must be filled in. Grey columns are optional. To see information on the column values mouse over the red icon in the top right-hand corner of the associated column.
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Do not delete or rearrange existing columns.
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Color coded Columns and Notes on Columns.
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Before you add your data to multiple rows in the template. Populate FIVE or fewer rows with data. Always test an upload FIRST to make sure your data is formatted correctly in your sheet and the data stores correctly in your system.
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#### **Step 3: Upload a template**
Go to: Setup>Import Data>*import template name*>Upload Data
Select the populated template and upload.
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A large volume of data can take a few minutes to load.
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#### Step 4: Spot-check the data.
In your Salesorder system randomly locate, bookmark, and check ALL populated fields.
### Troubleshooting
If your upload fails, you will see an error message telling you which row has failed. Go check and correct the contents of the row in your upload template.
If you cannot rectify the problem, send an email to with:
1. The .xlsx file attached
2. The SOA (account number of your system.
3. A description of the problem
If you cannot send the .xlsx sheet to us because it's too large. let us know and we'll arrange for a secure upload destination to be created, and send you directions.
