Importing with custom objects isn't drastically different from importing with standard objects. However, there are a few steps to take before you can import records into a custom object.
If you're not familiar with importing, read our guide for more information.
1. Create a custom object
You'll need to create your custom object first. If you don't, you won't have a place to import into.
2. Create a record
Next, create a record. You will export this record to populate the headers of your CSV file. This will help prevent missing fields when you import.
You can create custom fields and a Page Layout for your custom object before you export if needed.
3. Export
Next, export the object's records. Custom objects are imported and exported using CSV files.
To export a custom object:
- Select your custom object from the navigation bar.
- Click the Export link in the sidebar. If the sidebar is not displayed, click the Show Sidebar icon.
4. Fill out the CSV file
Fill out your CSV file. You can add any standard or custom fields that you may have forgotten.
5. Import!
Finally, you can import the CSV file back into the object.
To import a custom object:
- Select your custom object from the navigation bar.
- Click the Import link in the sidebar. If the sidebar is not displayed, click the Show Sidebar icon.
- Upload the CSV file you want to import. Click Next when you are done.
- Select your import action.
- Add New Records - Add new records and skip records that Insightly recognizes as duplicates.
- Update Existing Records - Update records that match the Record ID field in your file. Skip all other records.
- Add New Records and Update Existing Records - Update records that match the Record ID field in your file, skip duplicates, and add all other records.
![Importing_custom_objects_7.png](https://s3.amazonaws.com/insightly.userfiles/36409/K3LTYK/8a860277-05d9-4a55-9ab2-e8eaacc0840e.png?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJRNAGB7KJX37RU4Q&Expires=1725751690&Signature=%2BvGScNMcFjmBGZckfrznROCH158%3D)
![Importing_custom_objects_6.png](https://s3.amazonaws.com/insightly.userfiles/36409/YZAIJY/b0bc8f31-1147-4595-8ef0-c1d111957a29.png?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJRNAGB7KJX37RU4Q&Expires=1725751690&Signature=i%2BvzHj8I%2BqyGBGucoDZcqmgVLLY%3D)
![Importing_custom_objects_8.png](https://s3.amazonaws.com/insightly.userfiles/36409/EQHWOJ/da5d35cc-a56c-4fe2-ac39-7e41683a8261.png?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJRNAGB7KJX37RU4Q&Expires=1725751690&Signature=ggxD565yrq8DIzEy%2BPHPdjaRwik%3D)