Import contacts from a CSV file

The fastest way to add many contacts is a CSV import. You upload the file, match its columns to contact fields, and choose where the contacts go.

Prepare your file

• The first row must contain column names.
• Comma-, semicolon- and tab-separated files all work. The maximum file size is shown on the upload page.
• You need a column with email addresses. Other columns are optional.
• For Country, use two-letter codes such as US or DE. Other values are left blank.
• Want to import extra data, like a plan name or signup date? Create a custom field first under Settings → Custom contact fields.
• Want to tag the contacts during import? Create the tags first under Settings → Tags.

Import step by step

1. Go to Contacts and click Import.

2. Choose your CSV file and click Upload and map columns.

3. On Map your columns, pick a field in the Import as drop-down for each column in your file:

   • Standard fields: Email, First name, Last name, Company, Phone, Country
   • Your custom fields, marked (custom)
   • — Skip this column — to ignore it

   InboxRoads pre-selects likely matches. Exactly one column must be mapped to Email.

4. Under Add imported contacts to, pick an Existing list, or type a name in …or create a new list. By default it's your file name.

5. Tick any Tags to apply.

6. Leave Update existing contacts on or off (see below).

7. Tick the box confirming these contacts gave permission to receive your email. Purchased or scraped lists aren't allowed.

8. Click Start import.

The import runs in the background. The results page shows Rows, New contacts, Updated and Skipped. When it's done, click View contacts or Verify these contacts.

How duplicates are handled

• Within the file: If the same email appears twice, it's imported once, using the later row's data.
• Already in your account: Contacts are matched by email address.
  • With Update existing contacts on, empty fields don't overwrite anything. Filled-in fields (names, company, phone, country, custom fields) update the existing contact. These count as Updated.
  • With it off, existing contacts are left unchanged and counted as Skipped.
  • Either way, they're still added to the chosen list and tags.
• Subscription status never changes on import. Someone who unsubscribed stays unsubscribed.
• Invalid addresses (empty or clearly malformed) are counted as Skipped.

Tip: After importing, verify the list before your first send. See verify an email list.

Related

• Lists, tags and segments explained
• Suppression list and unsubscribes
• Double opt-in vs single opt-in

Key takeaways

• Map exactly one column to Email. Everything else is optional.
• Create tags and custom fields in Settings before you import.
• Imports never re-subscribe someone who opted out.