How to import customer data in bulk
Last updated October 13, 2026
Overview
Data import lets you bring a full list of customers into Atlas at once by uploading a CSV file, instead of creating each customer by hand. You upload the file, map each column in the file to a customer field in Atlas, and Atlas processes the file in the background. When processing finishes, the imported customers are available in "Customers" and the import appears in your import history with its status and a record summary.
Data import is a global setup: an Admin runs the import once and the customers become available to the whole workspace.
Key Features
- CSV upload: Upload a CSV file by selecting it from your computer or dragging and dropping it into the upload area.
- Sample CSV template: Download a ready-made sample CSV so your columns are formatted correctly from the start.
- Column mapping: Map each column in your file to a customer field ("First name", "Last name", "Email", "Phone number"). A mapping applies to every row in the file.
- Named import lists: Give each import a name so you can identify where the list came from later.
- Background processing: Large files can take some time. You can close the window and Atlas emails you once the upload is complete.
- Import history and status: Every import is listed in "Data import" with its status (for example, "Completed"), the list name, the source file, the import time, and a breakdown of successful records.
- Download the uploaded file: Open an import's details and click the file name to download a copy of exactly what was uploaded.
- Cleanup: Delete imports you no longer need, such as test runs, to keep the list tidy.
How to import customer data
Use this guide to upload a CSV file of customers, map its columns, and confirm the customers were imported.
- Go to "App Configuration > Data > Data import" .
- Click "New import".
- (Optional) Click "Download sample CSV" to get a ready-made template.
- Fill in the template with one row per customer: first name, last name, email, and phone. Save the file.
For example (illustrative only; use the column headers from the downloaded sample CSV):
First name,Last name,Email,Phone Jane,Doe,jane.doe@acme.com,+1 555 0100 John,Roe,john.roe@acme.com,+1 555 0101 - Click the upload area ("Select a CSV file to upload") to choose your file, or drag and drop it into the area.
- Check that the attached file is the correct one before you continue.
- Enter a name for the import list. Use something clear, such as where the list came from, so it is easy to find later.
- Map your columns. For each customer field, open its dropdown and select the matching column from your file:
- "First name"
- "Last name"
- "Email"
- "Phone number"
- Click "Done" to confirm the mapping and send the file for processing.
- A message confirms: "This may take some time. You can close the window and we'll email you once the upload is complete."
- Click "Finish". The import is queued and processed in the background.
How to check the results of an import
- Go to "App Configuration > Data > Data import" . The new import appears at the top of the list.
- Click the import to open the progress panel. Close the panel to return to the list.
- When processing finishes, the status changes to "Completed". The row shows the list name, the source file, when it was imported, and a breakdown of successful records.
- To see the full details, open the actions menu on the row and select "View". You can also click anywhere on the row.
- In the details, click the file name to download a copy of the uploaded file.
- Click "Done" to close the details.
How to verify imported customers
- Open the main menu and select "Customers" .
- Click the search icon and search for a customer from your file by name or email.
- Open the customer to confirm the imported data.
How to delete an import
- Go to "App Configuration > Data > Data import" .
- Locate the import, open the actions menu on the row, and select "Delete".
- Click "Confirm". The message "Deleted import" confirms the import was removed from the list.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
What file format can I upload?
CSV. The upload area accepts CSV files only. Download the sample CSV from the "New import" window to start with the correct format.
Which customer fields can I map?
"First name", "Last name", "Email", and "Phone number".
Do I need to map every row?
No. You map each column once, and the mapping applies to every row in the file.
Do I have to wait for the import to finish?
No. Large files can take some time. You can close the window, and Atlas emails you once the upload is complete. You can also check the status in "Data import".
How do I know the import worked?
Check that the import status in "Data import" is "Completed" and review the breakdown of successful records. Then go to "Customers" and search for a customer from your file by name or email.
Can I download the file I uploaded?
Yes. Open the import with "View" and click the file name.
Why should I delete an import?
Deleting removes the import from the "Data import" list, for example after a test run. The customers it added stay in Atlas.