Most of our customers have difficulties understanding how to create a file according to their needs to import certain info.
Although we have a page explaining how to create a .csv file to import different types of information, here you can learn how and why it is necessary to create the correct file.
Why the .CSV file?
.CSV files are compatible with various applications, including databases, statistical software, and more. They are plain text files with data separated by commas, making them widely used for data interchange. This is not possible to do with .xls or .xlsx files more commonly used.
You can take any export in .xls or .xlsx format and use it to create a .csv file we can import.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that the file must have the correct name columns and must not contain errors or blank spaces and of course, it must not have incorrect information.
Depending on the type of information you want to upload there are different templates. Please consult this page and follow the instructions to the letter.
Always make sure you double-check the information you send to us to import otherwise it can cause serious errors in your Optiply dashboard.
How do I convert an Excel File to a .CSV File?
Step 1: Open Excel File
Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.
Open the Excel file you want to convert to a .csv file by clicking on "File" and then "Open." Locate and select your Excel file from your computer.
Step 2: Save As .csv
Once your Excel file is open, click on "File" in the top-left corner of the Excel window.
In the "File" menu, select "Save As."
Step 3: Select .csv Format
In the "Save As" dialog box, navigate to the folder where you want to save your .csv file.
In the "File Name" field, enter a name for your .csv file (e.g., "mydata").
Below the "File Name" field, you'll see a dropdown menu labeled "Save as type." Click on it.
From the dropdown menu, select "CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv)."
Step 4: Save the File
After selecting the .csv format, click the "Save" button.
Step 5: Confirm File Type
You may receive a warning message about losing certain features specific to Excel. Click "Yes" or "OK" to proceed, as .csv files are a simplified format.
Step 6: CSV Options (Optional)
Depending on your version of Excel, you may see a "CSV File" dialog box with additional options. You can typically use the default settings, so just click "OK" or "Next" to continue.
Step 7: Verify the .csv File
Navigate to the folder where you chose to save your .csv file. You should now see the .csv file with the name you provided.
Using Google Sheets or Google Drive
Option 1: Using Google Sheets
Open your Google Sheets document.
Click on "File" in the top-left corner of the Google Sheets interface.
Select "Download."
From the submenu, choose "Comma-separated values (.csv, current sheet)."
Google Sheets will start the download process, and your file will be saved as a .csv file in your computer's default download location.
Option 2: Using Google Drive
Locate your Google Sheets file in Google Drive.
Right-click on the file.
In the context menu, select "Download."
Google Sheets will convert the file to .csv format and save it to your computer's default download location.
By following these steps, you'll convert your .xls or .xlsx file into a .csv file, which can be easily imported into other applications for data analysis, database management, or sharing with others.