Association mapping with data sync

Association mappings sync record associations between HubSpot and your connected app so that associated records remain linked across both systems. For example, when a contact is associated with a company in one system, that relationship can sync to the other system.

Before you get started 

For most data sync apps, association mappings are available by default, and you don't need to configure multiple object syncs for associations to work. For example, when you set up a contact sync, the associated company field mapping will link the respective companies.

However, for some data sync apps (e.g., Airtable, Kintone), and when syncing custom objects, all syncs must be activated in order for associations to be recognized. Learn about how to set up associations with data sync below.

Setting up association mappings

For example, suppose your connected app stores contacts and companies in separate lists or databases. Each contact record includes a linked field, showing the company they're associated with. To maintain this relationship when syncing to HubSpot, HubSpot must also replicate this association.

To set this up, first configure the company sync:

1. In your HubSpot account, click the settings icon in the top navigation bar. In the left sidebar menu, navigate to Integrations > Connected Apps.
2. Click the app you'd like to set up associations for.
3. Navigate to the CRM syncs tab. 
4. Click Set up your sync. 
5. Set up your sync for companies.
6. Make sure to choose a field to match on (e.g., name of company, domain of company). This matching key determines how the company records will sync with one another. It also helps the sync in associating contact records to the right company records. 

7. Add any reference fields, if applicable.
8. Set up your mappings.

After completing the company sync configuration, you can now create association field mappings in another object sync (e.g., a contact sync):

1. In your HubSpot account, click the settings icon in the top navigation bar. In the left sidebar menu, navigate to Integrations > Connected Apps.
2. Click the app you'd like to set up associations for.
3. Navigate to the CRM syncs tab. 
4. Click Sync more data.
5. Set up your sync for contacts.
6. Make sure to choose a field to match on (e.g., email address).

7. Add any reference fields, if applicable.
8. When setting up your mappings, ensure that you map the contact field from the other app that contains the company information to a corresponding field in HubSpot. Select your other app's field first to narrow down the available list of association fields in HubSpot. This will make sure that the associated company is mapped to the primary associated company in HubSpot, when a contact is synced from the other app.