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How to Import/Export Contacts Using a Single CSV File – BizStackPro Help

BizStackPro Contacts Help Guide

How to Import/Export Contacts Using a Single CSV File

Learn how to prepare, import, update, troubleshoot, and export contact data with CSV files while keeping field mapping and contact data organized.

Quick Answer

How do you import and export contacts with a CSV file?

Prepare a .csv file with a header row, open Contacts → Import, upload the file, map each column to the correct BizStackPro field, review duplicate and import settings, then submit the import. To export contacts, open Contacts → Export, apply filters if needed, and download the generated CSV file.

Why Use CSV Import and Export?

Managing a large number of contacts one record at a time is not practical when you need to move, update, or organize data in bulk.

CSV import and export lets you work with larger contact datasets, update records in bulk, standardize contact information, and move data between BizStackPro and a spreadsheet.

During an import, CSV columns can be mapped to standard or custom contact fields so the data is placed in the correct location.

BizStackPro also provides import status information and error logs that can help identify rows or fields that fail during processing.

Prepare the file before importing

Clear column names, consistent formatting, and careful field mapping can help reduce errors, duplicate records, and inconsistent contact data.

CSV Import and Export at a Glance

Import File CSV
Header Row Required for Mapping
Import Location Contacts → Import
Update Identifier Contact ID Recommended
Troubleshooting Import Error Log
Export Location Contacts → Export

Before You Begin

Prepare the CSV carefully before importing contact records.

  • Use a .csv file.
  • Include a header row containing clear column names.
  • Keep the file within the upload limits available in your account.
  • For new contacts, include a name and a phone number or email address when required.
  • For updates, include Contact ID when possible along with the fields you want to update.
  • Review duplicate-contact settings before importing a large list.
  • Remember that updates to existing contacts generally cannot be automatically undone.

Be careful when updating existing contacts

New contact imports can typically be reverted, but updates made to existing contact records usually cannot be automatically undone.

How to Import Contacts

Upload the CSV, map its columns, review the import settings, and monitor the results.

Open Contact Import

Go to Contacts → Import.

Upload the CSV

Select the CSV file you prepared.

Choose whether you are creating contacts, updating existing contacts, or using another available import option.

Map the Fields

Match each CSV column to the correct BizStackPro contact field.

This can include standard fields as well as available custom fields.

Review Import Settings

Confirm duplicate-handling options and any available tag, workflow, or other import settings before proceeding.

Submit the Import

Start the import after reviewing the field mapping and settings.

Monitor the Import

Review the import or Bulk Actions history to monitor progress and identify errors.

Create a custom field when needed

If the CSV contains information that does not match an existing field, create an appropriate custom field first, or during mapping when that option is available, and then map the column to it.

Common Field Formatting Tips

Phone Numbers
Format: Use consistent phone formatting. The original guide recommends E.164 style when possible, such as +15551234567.
Email Addresses
Format: Use a standard email format such as [email protected] and remove spaces or obvious formatting errors.
Tags and Multi-Select Fields
Format: Use a consistent separator. Commas are commonly used in the original guide.
Dates
Format: Keep each date column consistent, such as YYYY-MM-DD or MM/DD/YYYY, rather than mixing formats.
Owners and Followers
Format: When mapping by name, use the exact display names used in the account.

Troubleshooting Common Import Errors

Missing Required Fields
Fix: Add the required phone or email information, or use Contact ID when updating records where appropriate.
Duplicate Email or Phone Conflicts
Fix: Review the account's contact deduplication preferences and import matching settings.
Invalid Contact ID
Fix: Confirm the Contact ID belongs to the same sub-account and was copied correctly.
Invalid Phone Format
Fix: Convert the phone value to a valid regional format or E.164 format.
Invalid Date Format
Fix: Standardize the entire column to one supported date format.
Invalid Email Address
Fix: Remove spaces or typos and confirm the address follows standard email formatting.

Download the error log

After a failed import, download the available error log, correct the affected CSV rows or fields, and then upload the corrected file.

How to Export Contacts

Export contact records to CSV when you need to review, clean, or work with contact data outside BizStackPro.

Open Contacts

Go to Contacts.

Choose Export

Click Export.

Apply Filters

Apply filters when needed, such as tags, Smart Lists, date ranges, or other available criteria.

Choose Columns

Select the columns you want included when that option is available.

Generate and Download the CSV

Generate the export and download the CSV file when it is ready.

CSV Import and Export Best Practices

Test Small Imports First
Reason: A small test can help confirm field mapping, formatting, and duplicate handling before processing a larger file.
Keep Column Formatting Consistent
Reason: Consistent phone, email, date, and multi-value formatting can reduce import errors.
Use Contact ID for Updates
Reason: Contact ID provides a clearer identifier when updating existing records.
Review Error Logs
Reason: Error logs identify the specific rows or fields that need correction after a failed import.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format should I use to import contacts?
Use a .csv file when importing contacts into BizStackPro.
Can I import multiple contacts at once?
Yes. BizStackPro supports bulk importing contacts in a single upload process.
Can I update existing contacts during the import process?
Yes. You can update existing contacts by using Contact ID or other unique identifiers and selecting the appropriate update option during import.
Can I undo an import if there are mistakes?
Only new contact imports can typically be reverted. Updates to existing contacts generally cannot be undone.
How do I export contacts from the platform?
Go to Contacts → Export, apply any needed filters, and then download the generated CSV file.

Continue Learning

Continue learning how to prepare, import, and manage contact data with these related Help Center guides.

Recommended Next Step

Review CSV Import Troubleshooting

Once you understand the main import and export process, continue with the CSV troubleshooting guide so you know how to identify and correct common problems when an import does not complete as expected.

Manage Contact Data with BizStackPro

BizStackPro brings contact management, imports, exports, tags, conversations, workflows, and other CRM tools together in one connected platform.

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