# Importing data

### Overview

Importing is the simplest way to get data into UbiQuity. If you have a list of contacts in a spreadsheet, you can upload it directly into your database in a few steps using the import wizard.

You do not need any technical knowledge to run an import. The wizard guides you through each step, and most imports take just a few minutes to complete.

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### What you will need

Before you start, make sure you have:

* Your data saved as a **CSV file**. If your data is in Excel, open it and save it as CSV before importing. Excel files (.xls or .xlsx) are not accepted.
* **Column headings** in the first row of your file. These do not need to match your UbiQuity field names exactly - you will match them up during the import.
* A **clean, consistent dataset**. UbiQuity checks data against your field types during the import, so things like invalid email addresses or incorrectly formatted mobile numbers will be rejected.

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### How to import your contacts

1. Go to **Database > Import Contacts**
2. Click **Import Contacts** and select your file
3. Work through the wizard, mapping your columns to the correct fields in your database
4. Choose your update type - if you are not sure, select **Append/Update**, which will add new contacts and update existing ones
5. Review the summary and type **ACCEPT** to run the import
6. Check the results - any rows that could not be imported will be available to download and fix

The whole process typically takes just a few minutes for most files.

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### A few things to know

**Existing contacts won't be duplicated.** UbiQuity uses a matching field - usually email address - to check whether a contact already exists before adding them. If they do, their record is updated rather than duplicated.

**Some rows may be rejected.** This usually happens because of formatting issues in the data - a missing @ in an email address, or a mobile number missing its leading zero. You can download the error list at the end of the import and fix and re-import those rows.

**The error file is only available for 7 days.** If rows were skipped, download the error file promptly so you can review and fix them.

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### Also want to import transactional data?

If you need to import purchase history, service records, or other data linked to your contacts, UbiQuity supports this too. See [Importing Transactions](/documentation/data-and-integrations/imports/importing-transactions.md) for a full guide.

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### Want the full detail?

For a complete step-by-step walkthrough of the import wizard including all options and troubleshooting, see [Importing Contacts](/documentation/data-and-integrations/imports/importing-contacts.md) in the Data & Integrations section.


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