Import

Go to the System → Data → Import

You are able to import bulk data into your AbanteCart store using '.txt' or '.csv' spreadsheet-like files. Some of the fields (columns) are required for a successful import, yet nearly almost all fields are supported, allowing you to determine the level of detail you wish to import.
This is particularly useful when migrating and importing from a different eCommerce or Inventory platform.

1 Import Format Difference
2 Action Insert or Update
3 Example 1: Update products
4 Example 2: Insert products
5 Example 3: Product minimum insert
6 Example 4: Insert products with Images
7 Example 5: Import Resources by URL
8 Example 6: Insert Product with Option and quantity pricing
9 Example 7: Update Product (add images to product)
10 More Examples

Data upload is a significant and at the same time risky operation, you should consider a couple of things before starting the import process:

backup the database
product import success depends on the file, that undergoes data transfer. What fields are included and how information is organized really matters
new products won’t be added to the database until all the required fields are included in the file

Import Format Difference

In AbanteCart you can choose between native import format (strict) and free format (flexible).

This article describes import with the native AbanteCart format. If you are looking for a more simplified (but less controlled) way to import please try the easy-to-use free import format with Import Wizard tool.

Native Format

pros

control all values

control all languages

control all stores

can import orders, customers

cons

linking between objects by IDs - for example, you need to import categories first then find categories IDs and only after import products with categories ID's. Same with brands, stores, etc

a lot of columns to edit

if one column name incorrect it will be ignored

Free Format

pros

no IDs required - simply type names to add

fewer columns to edit - you can set multiple categories or image URLs in one

select columns meaning to be recognized as

preview first row of the imported file

you can import product almost from any data format

JSON maps support - reusable Configurations

cons

import to only one language and store

not everything can be added (for example you can not add tags)

can not import orders, customers

Action Insert or Update

When using the native format, if you import data with table columns that have auto-increment indexes (e.g., product_id), the default action will be to update existing records. If you need to add new entries with auto-increment column values, you must explicitly specify the action as insert. To do this, add a new column labeled action to your CSV file and set its value to insert for each new entry.

in the same way, you can bulk remove products with action delete

Note: Ensure that the column name action is in lowercase and contains no spaces.

CSV editor tips

When working with CSV files for importing data into AbanteCart, it’s essential to use an editor that preserves data accuracy. Be aware that some editors, such as Microsoft Excel, may modify cell formats, for example, converting dates to its internal format or altering numeric delimiters (e.g., switching a period . to a comma , in prices) based on the system’s locale settings. This can lead to unintended errors, such as prices being imported incorrectly. For this reason, it’s recommended to use the price format 19.99 to avoid accidental editor conversion to formats like 19,99

Apple’s Numbers software mostly correctly opens CSV files but only allows saving them with a comma delimiter by default. You can use File → Export To → CSV to save your work in the required format. OpenOffice is another reliable tool with useful features for CSV editing. It allows you to set specific columns as text, preventing issues like leading zeros being removed (e.g., 00134 becoming 134). However, when opening your CSV file in OpenOffice, ensure to select only one delimiter (e.g., a comma) and avoid using combined delimiters, as this can cause compatibility problems.

Example 1: Update products

In this example we will show how to easily update your existing products.

First export one or all products. Go to System → Data → Import/Export. In the Export Tab find Products, click to expand the table and select only product_descriptions table.

In the opened CSV file easy to update/edit this products fields:

products.model

products.quantity

products.price

products.weight

products.length

products.width

products.height

products.sort_order

product_descriptions[0].name

product_descriptions[0].description

Also, You can edit other fields. But You need to know your correct ids/values already existing in your data for this fields:

products.stock_status_id

products.manufacturer_id

products.shipping

products.tax_class_id

Then Import file. Go to System → Data → Import/Export. In the Import Tab select correct File to import and correct CSV/TXT delimiter. Click Import button.

After processing the message will be shown. Normally 0 errors should be displayed.

Example 2: Insert products

Before inserting a lot of new products just create a sample product in Admin → Catalog → Products with all fields you need.

Then export to CSV file. Make sure to select required tables like:

product_descriptions

products_to_categories

products_to_stores

or any other tables which one contain needed data for a configured sample product.