How do I import contacts from a CSV?

1. Get a template if you need one

   Use Download CSV template on Import contacts. Select optional Birthday, Work anniversary or Personalized message columns before downloading. Fill in the file and save it as CSV.

2. Upload or paste

   Choose a CSV file, drop it onto the page, or paste cells from Excel or Google Sheets, including the header row. For pasted cells, choose Read what I pasted.

3. Check what Scribble read

   Inspect the headers and sample rows. If columns are shifted or combined, fix the source file before continuing.

4. Map the columns

   Confirm the suggested fields. Map birthdays to Birthday and full start dates to Work anniversary. Check ambiguous headers by hand. Unmapped columns become custom fields, such as personal_note.

5. Fix problems

   Review rows needing attention, duplicates and do-not-mail matches. Correct addresses or skip rows you do not want imported. Check the final number of contacts.

6. Confirm the import

   Choose the destination list if offered, then import. Review the result and open a saved contact to check its address and dates.

   You’ll know it worked when The contacts appear in the selected space with the fields you mapped.

#Date formats

#Custom columns and messages

A header such as Personal note becomes personal_note, available as {{personal_note}} in a message. Keep custom field names consistent across imports. See contact fields and merge fields.

#Importing again

Review duplicate matches before confirming another import. A contact with the same email or address may already exist. For repeat syncs from another system, use a stable external_id through the contacts API.