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      Importing a Spreadsheet of Contacts

      This guide walks you through importing contacts into your CRM account using a CSV file. You'll learn how to map fields, apply tags, assign lists, update existing contacts, and configure advanced import settings.

      Before You Start

      Important things to know:

      • Only CSV files are supported.
        If your contacts are in a spreadsheet (like Excel or Google Sheets), make sure to save it as a .csv file before importing.

      • Each contact must have a unique email address.
        If multiple entries in your file use the same email address, only the first one will be imported.

      • Contacts may enter automation upon import.
        Contacts can automatically enter any active automation if:

        • You're importing them to a list used in an automation trigger

        • You're tagging them with a tag used in a trigger

        • You're mapping a field that’s tied to an automation trigger
          You can disable automation triggers during import under "Advanced Options."

      • Account owners can't be assigned during import.
        If your file includes an "Accounts" column, those accounts will default to the standard account owner.

      • You can’t create lists during import.
        If you want to add contacts to a list, make sure the list already exists before you begin.

      Step-by-Step: Importing Contacts from a CSV File

      1. Open the Import Tool

      • Click “Contacts” in the left-hand menu.

      • Click the “Import” button in the upper right.

      • Then click “Import from File.”

      2. Upload Your CSV File

      • A file browser will open—select your CSV file.

      • Once uploaded, you’ll be taken to the import mapping screen.

      3. Map Your CSV Columns to Contact Fields

      • For each column, select the appropriate ActiveCampaign field from the dropdown.

      • Don’t want to import a specific column? Choose “Do Not Import this Field.”

      • Need a new field? Click [Add New Field] to create it on the spot.

      • The “Field Values” column will preview the first data row to help you confirm mapping.

      • If you see a “duplicate field” error, it means the same field is mapped twice. Just assign it to a different field.

      Optional Settings

      Select Lists

      • You can add contacts to one or more existing lists by clicking their names.

      Add Tags

      • Type any tags you want to apply to all imported contacts.

        • Tip: Use a tag like import_april2025 to keep track of the source group later.

      Choose Import Options

      From the “Import Options” dropdown, choose how to treat these contacts:

      If no list is selected:

      • Import as Contact: Adds contacts to your database.

      • Import as Excluded: Adds them to the Exclusion List (useful for suppressions).

      If a list is selected:

      • Import as Active Contact: Adds them to the list with “Active” status.

      • Import as Unsubscribed Contact: Adds them as “Unsubscribed” from the selected list(s).

      • Import as Excluded Email Address: Adds them to your Exclusion List.

      Update Existing Contacts (Optional)

      • Check this box to update contact records that already exist in your account by matching email addresses.

      • Any new data from your CSV will be added to the existing records.

      Advanced Options (Optional)

      Click the arrow next to “Advanced Options” to reveal more settings:

      Advanced_Options_during_CSV_Import.png

      Trigger Webhooks

      Control which webhooks are triggered:

      • Off: No webhooks will fire

      • Contact added and Contact updated only

      • Trigger all relevant webhooks set in your developer settings

      Trigger Automation

      Decide whether imported contacts can trigger automation:

      • On: Contacts will trigger automation based on tags, field updates, list subscriptions, etc.

      • Off: Contacts will not enter any automation.

      Create Field Options for Custom Fields

      Handles dropdowns, radio buttons, or checkboxes:

      • On: If a value doesn’t match an existing option, a new one will be created (e.g., “Catt” will be added even if “Cat” already exists).

      • Off: If the value doesn’t match an existing option, it won’t be imported.

      Final Step: Click “Import Now”

      Once you’ve double-checked your settings, click the “Import Now” button.

      How long will it take?
      The import time depends on your CSV’s size. After it finishes, you’ll be able to review the results.

      Quick Example

      Imagine you're importing a CSV file of 500 leads from a recent webinar. You want to:

      • Add them to your Newsletter list

      • Tag them with webinar_march2025

      • Create a new field called "Webinar Topic"

      • Make sure existing contacts are updated with the new info

      Using the steps above, you can do all this—plus prevent any automation from running if you're not ready yet.