Troubleshooting import

Ecwid CSV import is quite simple, but – as the procedure requires high precision – sooner or later you might run into problems.

The process of import is similar to connecting pieces of a construction set. It is very important that both “pieces” – your file and the settings in the import dialog in your Ecwid admin – fit each other.

Common issues

If you have problems, please, first check that your file is set up according to the Ecwid CSV file format.

You can import only those product parameters that are listed in the table.

The same parameters (columns) in the same order should be ticked in the import dialog.

Also check that you chose the same Delimiter and Character encoding in the dialog that you have in your file.

General troubleshooting

If your import failed, please, click See details at the top of your Catalog → Products page:

In the Error details field of the opened pop-up window you will see error messages that help understand what has caused the problem with import.

Below you can find answers to some frequent questions that occur during Ecwid CSV import.

I have a file that a supplier gave me/a file from my store on another platform. Can I import it into my Ecwid store right away?

No, first you should set up your file according to the Ecwid CSV file format. This way Ecwid will recognise your data correctly. You can do it using a spreadsheet (e.g. LibreOffice or Google Sheets) or a text editor and then save your file as CSV.

Can I import an XML or XLS file into my Ecwid store?

No, in Ecwid you can use only CSV files for import. Please, convert your file into CSV format or create a new file from scratch.

I set up my file according to Ecwid format, but I had to remove some columns because Ecwid does not support them. How can I import this data if I still need it in my store?

Try adding your “extra” data to the Name and/or Description columns (depending on where it fits best).

I have a lot of products in my CSV file. Can I import them all at once?

It is likely that you will have problems while importing a huge file. To avoid them, try breaking your file into several smaller ones (~500 products each).

Can I import videos into my Ecwid store?

No, but you can add links to your videos to the “Description” field. Just copy the embed code or a link to your video and add it to the description column.

I wanted to import several images for a product, but after the import I see only one image. Can I import multiple images?

You cannot import multiple images using Ecwid import: it allows you to upload only one – main – picture for a product. To upload gallery images in bulk you can use the Bulk Gallery Upload application. It is free to use on all Ecwid paid plans.

Why did my images fail to import?

Sometimes all the data from your CSV file import successfully to your online store, but the product images don’t make it. Please follow the steps below if this happens to you:

1. Make sure the image URLs in your CSV file are correct and accessible via the web.
   You can check this by opening the image URL in your browser. Your images must be available by direct links (e.g., http://example.com/images/product_1.jpg) without permissions like a password or login.
2. Make sure that your images are in a format that Ecwid supports – these are JPG, BMP, PNG and GIF image file formats (e.g. you cannot upload PSDs) – and that they are under 20 Mb (each).
3. Make sure each image URL leads directly to the image file, not to an HTML page that contains the image.
   Find direct links for these images from your web browser. Right-click on the image and click "Copy image address" in the context menu:
   

   

I try to import my file but get an error saying that one of the fields has an incorrect value. How do I know which values are allowed for this column?

You can always look up what limitations exist in the “Limits” section of the table describing the Ecwid CSV file format.

I entered a subcategory name for my product, but when the import was over there was no product in this subcategory. At the same time I had a new category created in my store (named after my subcategory). What happened and how can I avoid this in the future?

Every subcategory in your store has its own “path”. For example, Women's Apparel/Dresses/Evening Dresses. If you write only the subcategory name in your column - e.g. Evening Dresses - then a new root category with the same name is created. Please, enter a full path to your subcategory.

I have problems importing my prices. What can be the reason?

Please, check if you have a currency symbol (e.g. “$”) in your column(s) and – if yes – delete it. The “Price” and ““Compare to” price” columns support a floating number only. The currency symbol that you chose for your store in Settings → General → Regional settings will be displayed anyway.

I’m compiling my import file but the spreadsheet editor keeps changing my numeric SKUs. For example, “0005” and “0006” turn into “5” and “6”. I try to fix them, but it happens again. What can I do?

Sometimes spreadsheet editors recognize numeric SKUs as integer numbers and set “numeric” format for the SKU column, which results in changing their values. This may cause some issues during import, e.g. duplicating of store products. Please, set the “text” format for the SKU column in your spreadsheet editor.

Why are all decimals rounded to the nearest integer after import?

This is most likely caused by an incorrect number format used in your CSV file. Ecwid requires CSV files separate decimals using a dot, not a comma. Please make sure you use the correct number format in your CSV file.

I am sure that I set up my import file according to the Ecwid CSV file format – as far as I can see everything is OK – but I get errors after I try to import it. What can be the reason?

Sometimes spreadsheet editors add some symbols - e.g. commas or quotes – when you save your files as CSV. You cannot see these symbols in a spreadsheet, but they might affect Ecwid import process. The easiest way to find out whether you have such symbols in your CSV is to open it in any plain text editor and compare to the Ecwid sample file (also opened in such an editor).

Error messages during import

Here is a list of error messages that you may encounter (accompanied by solutions):

Solving problems during import can be time-consuming, but, once you master the format, import can save you a lot of time in return – especially if you have a long list of items in your store.