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 (e.g., companies, deals) or activities(e.g., calls, 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 transfer your existing CRM data to HubSpot's CRM, you can use self-service transfer to audit and sync your data.

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.

Before you get started

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

Prior to importing, review the get started with imports article. 

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 one of the following:
   • 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. Configure how you want to import your data:
   • Upload a file: click choose a file, then select your import file.
   • Copy and paste: click paste directly from your spreadsheet and paste your data. Data must be copied from a spreadsheet file (e.g., Numbers, Google Sheets).
   • Language: 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.
     
7. Click Next.
8. 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.
9. 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.
     
10. Once all columns are mapped or set to Don't import column, click Next.
11. In the Import name text field enter a name.
12. 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.
13.  Configure additional options depending on the object:
    
    • Create a contact segment: automatically create a segment of the imported contacts.
    • Legal basis for processing data: If you've turned on data privacy settings in your account, configure the legal basis for importing and using the contact's data.
    • Marketing contact status: set contacts as marketing so they can be used in marketing tools (e.g., marketing email). Learn more about marketing contacts billing.
    • Enrich records: enrich your business email contacts or companies with a valid domain name with Breeze. Learn more about what properties are enriched.
    • Date and time format: if you're importing date or date and time properties, confirm how the date values in your spreadsheet are formatted. For date and time properties, confirm the time zone the property should use.
    • Number format: if you're importing a file with a number property, confirm which country's number format to use for your data.
      
14. Click Finish import.

If your import contained errors, learn how to resolve import errors.

Next steps

Once imported, you can view:

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