Preparing Data for Import

What You'll Learn

This guide will help you prepare your data files correctly before importing them into your Knack application. You'll learn about supported file formats, how to structure column headers, formatting guidelines for different data types, and special considerations for multi-column fields.

Knack supports several file formats for importing your data:

• CSV (.csv)
• Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
• Google Sheets

Each format has its advantages, but CSV is often the most reliable for maintaining consistent data formatting.

Tip: If using Excel, you can save your file as CSV to ensure compatibility. Google Sheets can be imported directly through the Knack interface.

Column Headers

It's highly recommended that you add a single row at the top of your spreadsheet to serve as column headers (or labels). These headers are critical for the import process:

• When creating a new table through import, each header becomes the name of a field automatically created for that column
• When updating existing records, headers help match columns with existing fields in your table

If you don't include headers, Knack will allow you to create them during the import process, but it's generally easier to prepare them beforehand.

Tip: Use clear, descriptive headers that indicate the content of each column. Avoid special characters and keep names relatively short.

Data Formatting Guidelines

Consistent data formatting is essential for a successful import. Review your data before importing to ensure uniformity:

General Formatting

• Ensure consistent formatting within each column
• Remove any unnecessary formatting, colors, or styling
• Check for and correct any inconsistent capitalization
• Be aware of hidden characters that might have been copied from other sources

Example: Multiple Choice Data

If you have a "Size" column that you want to import as a multiple-choice field, ensure consistent values:

• Inconsistent: "large," "Large," and "L" will become three separate options
• Consistent: Choose one format (e.g., "Large") and use it throughout

Multi-Column Fields

Some field types in Knack (like Person and Address) contain multiple components. To import data into these field types:

1. Each data component must be in a separate column (e.g., separate columns for First Name and Last Name)
2. The import cannot parse a full name from a single column into first/last name components

Example of correctly formatted address fields:

Name Field Components

When importing into a Person field, your spreadsheet should have separate columns for:

• Title
• First Name
• Middle Name
• Last Name

Address Field Components

When importing into an Address field, your spreadsheet should have separate columns for:

• Street Address
• Street Address 2
• City
• State/Region/Province
• Zip/Postal Code
• Country
• Latitude (optional)
• Longitude (optional)

Important: If you have full names or complete addresses in single columns, you may need to split them into separate columns before importing, or they will be imported as simple text fields.

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Important: If you have full names or complete addresses in a single column, you may need to split them into separate columns before importing, or they will be imported as text fields