# CSV File Format for Importing Objects > Learn how to properly format CSV files for importing contacts and opportunities into GHL Customer Care. Includes required fields, formatting tips, and troubleshooting guidance. - Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/csv-file-format-for-importing-objects - Section: Contacts / Smart Lists - Reading time: 7 min - Modified on Wed, 25 Feb at 6:14 AM --- This article will help you format your CSV file correctly before importing it into GHL Customer Care. By following this guide, you’ll avoid common import errors, save time, and ensure your data flows seamlessly into your CRM. --- **TABLE OF CONTENTS** - [Key Benefits of Preparing Your CSV File](#key-benefits-of-preparing-your-csv-file) - [What is a CSV File Format?](#what-is-a-csv-file-format) - [Structuring Your File](#structuring-your-file) - [1\. Sample CSV Format](#1-sample-csv-format) - [2\. Mandatory Fields](#2-mandatory-fields) - [3\. Field Formatting](#3-field-formatting) - [4\. Supported File Type and File Size](#4-supported-file-type-and-file-size) - [5\. Required and Optional Fields for Import](#5-required-and-optional-fields-for-import) - [6\. Formatting Guidelines by Field Type](#6-formatting-guidelines-by-field-type) - [Supported Countries List in CSV Imports](#supported-countries-list-in-csv-imports) - [Supported Timezones](#supported-timezones) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) - [Related Articles](#related-articles) --- ## **Key Benefits of Preparing Your CSV File** Taking the time to format your CSV file correctly before importing ensures your contact data is clean, complete, and mapped accurately. - Reduces the chance of import errors or upload failures - Helps GHL Customer Care automatically map fields during import - Enables contact deduplication and accurate updates - Supports custom fields and advanced segmentation - Saves time by avoiding post-import cleanup - Increases success with bulk contact/opportunity uploads --- ## **What is a CSV File Format?** CSV stands for 'Comma-Separated Values'. It's a simple file format used to store tabular data like spreadsheets or databases. Each line in a CSV file represents a single record, and fields within the record are separated by commas. It’s one of the most widely used formats for importing and exporting data between different systems. - CSV files typically have a `.csv` extension. - You can create or edit them in tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or Notepad. - Ensure only one sheet is present in the file to prevent import issues. **Example**: | First Name | Last Name | Email | Phone | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Jane | Doe | jane@example.com | +11234567890 | | John | Smith | john@example.com | +10987654321 | --- ## **Structuring Your File** To ensure accurate data mapping, structure your CSV file with column headers corresponding to standard or custom fields in GHL Customer Care. ### **1\. Sample CSV Format** | First Name | Last Name | Email | Phone | Company | Tags | Status | Created Date | Additional Phone | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | John | Doe | john@example.com | +11234567890 | ABC Corp | VIP, Lead | New | 01/01/2024 | +17877123462 | | Jane | Smith | jane@example.com | +15556667777 | XYZ Ltd | Customer | Active | 02/02/2024 | +17877123464 | - Each row represents a single contact or opportunity. - Each column represents a distinct property. - The header row is required to map fields correctly. ### **2\. Mandatory Fields** At least one of the following is required to create or update a contact: - First Name - Email Address - Phone Number **Note**: For updating contacts, a Unique Identifier (Contact ID, Email, or Phone) is required based on your deduplication settings. For opportunities, include the Opportunity ID if updating. Without it, a new one will be created. ### **3\. Field Formatting** Follow these specific formatting rules to avoid import failures:
Field TypeAccepted Formats / Notes
Date Picker (Date Fields)MM/DD/YYYY, YYYY/MM/DD, MM-DD-YYYY, YYYY-MM-DD
Multi-Select / CheckboxCommas: VIP, Lead, Semicolons: Gold; Silver, Periods: Yes. No❌ Slashes = Invalid
Single Option (Dropdown)One value only. Example: Blue
Contact OwnerFirstName LastName — e.g., Logan Paul
TagsCommas, semicolons, or periods. e.g., Blue, Yellow, Blue; Yellow
Phone NumberE.164: +11234567890 (recommended); also 123-456-7890, (123) 456-7890 (US only)
Invalid Phone Formats1234567, abc1234567
Numerical Fields1.23, 1234, .123
Monetary Fields1234, 1,234,234.33
Contact FollowersFirstName LastName, FirstName2 LastName2 — e.g., Adam Smith, David Lee
Additional Emailsabc@email.com, abc1@email.com
Additional Phone Numbers+1 7877123460, +1 7877123461
### **4\. Supported File Type and File Size** Your file must meet certain basic requirements for a successful upload. | Requirement | Details | | --- | --- | | File Format | `.csv` only | | Sheets Allowed | One sheet per file | | Max File Size | 30 MB | ### **5\. Required and Optional Fields for Import** Including the right fields helps GHL Customer Care identify and process your records accurately.
Import ActionRequired/Optional FieldsNotes
New ContactName or Email, or PhoneAt least one is required
Update Existing ContactContact ID or Name/Email/PhoneDepends on duplicate settings
Header RowRequiredHeaders must match existing or custom fields in GHL Customer Care
### **6\. Formatting Guidelines by Field Type** To prevent import errors, follow these formatting rules for each data type in your CSV.
Field TypeFormatExampleNotes
Phone NumberE.164 or standard US formats+1 1234567890123-456-7890Clean and consistent formatting
Email AddressStandard formatname@example.comMust include @ and domain
DateMultiple accepted formats04/16/2025, 2025-04-16Choose one format and stick to it
Multi-Select FieldsSeparate with ,, ;, or .Blue, Yellow, GreenMust match field options in CRM
Additional EmailsComma-separatedemail1@example.com, email2@example.comAdd in a separate column
Additional PhonesComma-separated1234567890, 9876543210Add in a separate column
**Tip**: Before importing your CSV, ensure custom fields are already created in your GHL Customer Care account using the same labels and data types.For help with creating custom fields, refer to [Overview of Merge Fields & Custom Variables](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/merge-fields-and-custom-variables/merge-fields-and-custom-variables/overview-of-merge-fields-custom-variables) --- ## **Supported Countries List in CSV Imports** This section contains a **table of country names** accepted during CSV imports into GHL Customer Care. These are the official country values that should be used in your CSV file when mapping a **country field**, whether standard or custom. Use the exact country names or short codes listed below in your CSV file. - **Purpose**: GHL Customer Care validates country names during import. If your CSV includes a `Country` field, each row must match one of the **exact names** in this list. - **Format**: Must match exactly—case-sensitive and spelling-sensitive. For example, `United States` is accepted, but `USA` or `U.S.` will cause an error. - **Custom Field Use**: If you're using a custom country field, you can still benefit from sticking to this list to maintain compatibility.
Country Name (Code)Country Name (Code)Country Name (Code)
Afghanistan (AF)Albania (AL)Algeria (DZ)
Andorra (AD)Angola (AO)Antigua and Barbuda (AG)
Argentina (AR)Armenia (AM)Australia (AU)
Austria (AT)Azerbaijan (AZ)Bahamas (BS)
Bahrain (BH)Bangladesh (BD)Barbados (BB)
Belarus (BY)Belgium (BE)Belize (BZ)
Benin (BJ)Bhutan (BT)Bolivia (BO)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA)Botswana (BW)Brazil (BR)
Brunei (BN)Bulgaria (BG)Burkina Faso (BF)
Burundi (BI)Cabo Verde (CV)Cambodia (KH)
Cameroon (CM)Canada (CA)Central African Republic (CF)
Chad (TD)Chile (CL)China (CN)
Colombia (CO)Comoros (KM)Congo (CG)
Congo (Kinshasa) (CD)Costa Rica (CR)Croatia (HR)
Cuba (CU)Cyprus (CY)Czech Republic (CZ)
Denmark (DK)Djibouti (DJ)Dominica (DM)
Dominican Republic (DO)East Timor (TL)Ecuador (EC)
Egypt (EG)El Salvador (SV)Equatorial Guinea (GQ)
Eritrea (ER)Estonia (EE)Eswatini (SZ)
Ethiopia (ET)Fiji (FJ)Finland (FI)
France (FR)Gabon (GA)Gambia (GM)
Georgia (GE)Germany (DE)Ghana (GH)
Greece (GR)Grenada (GD)Guatemala (GT)
Guinea (GN)Guinea-Bissau (GW)Guyana (GY)
Haiti (HT)Honduras (HN)Hungary (HU)
Iceland (IS)India (IN)Indonesia (ID)
Iran (IR)Iraq (IQ)Ireland (IE)
Israel (IL)Italy (IT)Jamaica (JM)
Japan (JP)Jordan (JO)Kazakhstan (KZ)
Kenya (KE)Kiribati (KI)Korea, North (KP)
Korea, South (KR)Kosovo (XK)Kuwait (KW)
Kyrgyzstan (KG)Laos (LA)Latvia (LV)
Lebanon (LB)Lesotho (LS)Liberia (LR)
Libya (LY)Liechtenstein (LI)Lithuania (LT)
Luxembourg (LU)Madagascar (MG)Malawi (MW)
Malaysia (MY)Maldives (MV)Mali (ML)
Malta (MT)Marshall Islands (MH)Mauritania (MR)
Mauritius (MU)Mexico (MX)Micronesia (FM)
Moldova (MD)Monaco (MC)Mongolia (MN)
Montenegro (ME)Morocco (MA)Mozambique (MZ)
Myanmar (MM)Namibia (NA)Nauru (NR)
Nepal (NP)Netherlands (NL)New Zealand (NZ)
Nicaragua (NI)Niger (NE)Nigeria (NG)
North Macedonia (MK)Norway (NO)Oman (OM)
Pakistan (PK)Palau (PW)Panama (PA)
Papua New Guinea (PG)Paraguay (PY)Peru (PE)
Philippines (PH)Poland (PL)Portugal (PT)
Qatar (QA)Romania (RO)Russia (RU)
Rwanda (RW)Saint Kitts and Nevis (KN)Saint Lucia (LC)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (VC)Samoa (WS)San Marino (SM)
Sao Tome and Principe (ST)Saudi Arabia (SA)Senegal (SN)
Serbia (RS)Seychelles (SC)Sierra Leone (SL)
Singapore (SG)Slovakia (SK)Slovenia (SI)
Solomon Islands (SB)Somalia (SO)South Africa (ZA)
South Sudan (SS)Spain (ES)Sri Lanka (LK)
Sudan (SD)Suriname (SR)Sweden (SE)
Switzerland (CH)Syria (SY)Taiwan (TW)
Tajikistan (TJ)Tanzania (TZ)Thailand (TH)
Togo (TG)Tonga (TO)Trinidad and Tobago (TT)
Tunisia (TN)Turkey (TR)Turkmenistan (TM)
Tuvalu (TV)Uganda (UG)Ukraine (UA)
United Arab Emirates (AE)United Kingdom (GB)United States (US)
Uruguay (UY)Uzbekistan (UZ)Vanuatu (VU)
Vatican City (VA)Venezuela (VE)Vietnam (VN)
Yemen (YE)Zambia (ZM)Zimbabwe (ZW)
--- ## **Supported Timezones** Use one of the following timezone formats in your CSV. These are case-sensitive and must match exactly.
TimezoneTimezoneTimezone
Etc/GMT+12Pacific/MidwayPacific/Honolulu
America/JuneauUS/AlaskaAmerica/Dawson
America/Los_AngelesAmerica/PhoenixAmerica/Tijuana
US/ArizonaAmerica/BelizeAmerica/Boise
America/ChihuahuaAmerica/DenverAmerica/Edmonton
America/GuatemalaAmerica/ManaguaAmerica/Regina
Canada/SaskatchewanUS/MountainAmerica/Bahia_Banderas
America/BogotaAmerica/CancunAmerica/Chicago
America/Mexico CityUS/CentralAmerica/Caracas
America/DetroitAmerica/Indiana/IndianapolisAmerica/Louisville
America/ManausAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/Santiago
America/Santo_DomingoAmerica/TorontoUS/East-Indiana
US/EasternAmerica/Argentina/Buenos_AiresAmerica/Glace_Bay
America/MontevideoAmerica/Sao_PauloCanada/Atlantic
America/St_JohnsCanada/NewfoundlandAmerica/Godthab
America/NoronhaEtc/GMT+2Atlantic/Cape_Verde
Atlantic/AzoresUTCAfrica/Algiers
Africa/CasablancaAfrica/LagosAtlantic/Canary
Europe/LondonAfrica/CairoAfrica/Harare
Europe/AmsterdamEurope/BelgradeEurope/Brussels
Europe/MadridEurope/OsloEurope/Sarajevo
Africa/NairobiAsia/AmmanAsia/Baghdad
Asia/JerusalemAsia/KuwaitAsia/Qatar
Europe/AthensEurope/BucharestEurope/Helsinki
Europe/MoscowAsia/BakuAsia/Dubai
Asia/KabulAsia/TehranAsia/Karachi
Asia/YekaterinburgAsia/ColomboAsia/Kolkata
Asia/CalcuttaAsia/KathmanduAsia/Almaty
Asia/DhakaAsia/RangoonAsia/Bangkok
Asia/KrasnoyarskAsia/IrkutskAsia/Kuala_Lumpur
Asia/ShanghaiAsia/TaipeiAustralia/Perth
Asia/SeoulAsia/TokyoAsia/Yakutsk
Australia/AdelaideAustralia/DarwinAsia/Vladivostok
Australia/BrisbaneAustralia/CanberraAustralia/Hobart
Australia/SydneyPacific/GuamAsia/Magadan
Pacific/AucklandPacific/FijiPacific/Tongatapu
--- ## **Frequently Asked Questions** **Q: Can I import contacts with more than one phone number or email?** Yes! Use separate columns like `Additional phone numbers` and `Additional email addresses`, and separate entries with commas. **Q: What happens if I include a field in the CSV that doesn’t exist in GHL Customer Care?** That field will be ignored unless you map it to an existing standard or custom field during the import process. **Q: Will GHL Customer Care detect duplicates automatically?** Yes, based on your **Duplicate Detection Settings**, it can match by Contact ID, phone, or email and either merge or skip duplicates. **Q: Can I update contacts with a CSV import?** Absolutely. Just make sure you're including a field used in your duplicate matching (like Contact ID, email, or phone). **Q: Do I need to clean blank rows and columns?** Yes. It’s best to remove all unnecessary data to avoid unexpected import behavior. --- ## **Related Articles** - [Importing Opportunities using a CSV file](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/opportunities-and-pipelines/getting-started-with-opportunities/importing-opportunities-using-a-csv-file) - [Troubleshooting Bulk Imports via CSV](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/troubleshooting-bulk-imports-via-csv) - [Importing Contacts using a CSV file](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/getting-started-with-contacts/importing-contacts-using-a-csv-file) --- Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com