Import records for a single object

Use HubSpot’s import tool to add or update data in bulk using spreadsheet files. You can import records, such as companies and deals, as well as activities, such as calls or tasks. This article walks through the core steps for importing records and activities.

If you're importing contacts only and don't need additional options, use the quick import tool instead.

If you're new to HubSpot and want to migrate your existing CRM data to HubSpot's CRM, you can request a data migration from HubSpot's Replatforming team.

Before you get started

Prior to importing, review import file requirements and how imports function.

Please note: your account may use personalized names for each object (e.g., account instead of company). This article refers to objects by their HubSpot default names.

Understand requirements

Please note: emails, meetings, notes, and tasks cannot be updated via import, regardless of how you choose to import the data.

Import records for a single object

1. In your HubSpot account, navigate to Data Management > Data Integration. You can also click Import in the top right of any object index page.
2. In the Import a file section, click Import data.
3. Click Advanced imports (all objects).
4. Select the object you want to import (e.g., contacts, appointments), then click Next. 
5. Click the Choose how to import [objects/activities] dropdown menu and select how to import your data:
   • Create and update [records]: the import will create new records, as well as identify and update existing records. To create new records, your file must contain the required properties for that object. To update existing records, your file must contain a unique identifier.
   • Create new [records] only: the import will only create new records and activities. Existing records in the import file will be ignored. To create new records, your file must contain the required properties for that object.
   • Update existing [records/activities] only: the import will only update existing records. New records or activities in the import file will be ignored. To update existing records, your file must contain a unique identifier.
6. Click choose a file, then select your import file.
7. If you're importing data in a language other than your default language, click the Select the language of the column headers in your file dropdown menu and select the language. Selecting the correct language allows HubSpot to better match your column headers to existing default properties. If there is no match in your selected language, HubSpot will search for an English property to match.
8. Click Next.
9. Ensure you’ve mapped the correct unique identifier:
   • Record ID: in the Record ID row, click the HubSpot Property dropdown menu and select Record ID. If a row in your file doesn't contain a value for Record ID, a new record will be created.
   • Email (contacts only): in the Email row, click the HubSpot Property dropdown menu and select Email. The correct one displays a key icon.
   • Company domain name (companies only): in the Company Domain Name row, click the HubSpot Property dropdown menu and select Company Domain Name. The correct one displays a key icon. The Company Domain Name property only accepts values up to the top-level domain (e.g., .com, .edu).

   Please note:

   • If you use Record ID as a unique identifier, it’ll supersede any other unique identifiers included in the import.
   • If you use a custom property that requires unique values as the unique identifier:
     • For companies, the Company domain name property will no longer require unique values.
     • For contacts, the Email property will still require unique values.
   • For contacts, if you use a secondary email as the unique identifier, the secondary email will not replace the primary email unless the Record ID column is also included.
10. If any columns don't map to an existing property, or you'd like to make changes, click the dropdown menu in the HubSpot Property column. In the dropdown menu, you can do one of the following:
    • To map the column to an existing property, search for and select an existing property. You can hover over a property to view its details and ensure you're mapping to the correct property before selecting.
    • To set up a new custom property, click Create new property, then set up your property in the right panel. The data in the column will be mapped to this new custom property. This doesn't apply to activities.
    • To skip importing data from an individual row, click the dropdown menu in the Import As column, then select Don't import column. To skip importing data from all unmapped columns, select the Don't import data in unmapped columns checkbox in the bottom right.
11. Once all columns are mapped or set to Don't import column, click Next.
12. In the Import name text field enter a name.
13. Select the Consent checkbox to agree that contacts expect to hear from you and that your import file does not include a purchased list. Learn more about HubSpot's acceptable use policy.
14. Click Finish import or configure additional options depending on the object:
    
    • Select the Create a contacts segment from this import checkbox to automatically create a segment of the imported contacts. Even if you've imported only to add existing contacts to a segment (i.e., a file with Email or Record ID values but no new property values), the records will still be included as Updated records on the import history table and the individual import's summary.
    • If you've turned on data privacy settings in your account, click the Set the legal basis for processing a contact's data dropdown menu and select a legal basis of processing.
    • Select the Set this contact as a marketing contact checkbox so they can be used in marketing tools such as marketing email. Learn more about marketing contacts billing.
    • Select the Enrich [records] checkbox to enrich your business email contacts or companies with a valid domain name with Breeze. Learn more about enriching contacts or companies.
    • If you're importing date or date and time properties, click the Date format dropdown menu and confirm how the date values in your spreadsheet are formatted. For date and time properties, click the Time zone dropdown menu to confirm the time zone the property should use when imported.
    • If you're importing a file with a number property, click the Number format dropdown menu and confirm which country's number format to use for your data.

Next steps

Once imported, you can view:

• New and updated records on each object's index page.
• New tasks on the tasks index page.