# Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions

> Learn how to bulk import Custom Object records via CSV in GHL Customer Care with dedupe controls, update options, and Bulk Actions tracking.

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/sites/custom-objects/bulk-import-custom-object-records-csv-with-bulk-actions
- Section: Sites / Custom Objects
- Reading time: 3 min
- Images: 8, each explained below
- Modified on Tue, 3 Mar at 4:03 AM

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Bulk importing Custom Object records lets you quickly onboard large datasets while maintaining clean, conflict-free records. With create/update options, unique-field dedupe controls, and detailed import reporting, teams can scale Custom Object setup without losing accuracy. A dedicated Bulk Actions page adds operational control like pause, resume, and cancel so you can manage imports confidently.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

-   [What is Custom Object Bulk Import?](#what-is-custom-object-bulk-import)
-   [Key Benefits of Custom Object Bulk Import](#key-benefits-of-custom-object-bulk-import)
-   Import Modes (Create, Update, Create + Update)
-   Dedupe and Unique Field Conflict Handling
-   Importing Primary Fields, Required Fields, and Custom Fields
-   Update Empty Values
-   Bulk Actions – Custom Objects (Track, Pause, Resume, Cancel)[](#how-to-setup-custom-object-bulk-import)
-   [How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import](#how-to-setup-custom-object-bulk-import)[](#frequently-asked-questions)
-   [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[](#related-articles)
-   [Related Articles](#related-articles)

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# **What is Custom Object Bulk Import?**

Custom Object Bulk Import allows you to upload a CSV file to create new Custom Object records, update existing ones, or do both in a single import. It also includes dedupe controls based on unique fields and a centralized Bulk Actions page for tracking progress and resolving issues. This makes Custom Object onboarding faster while helping prevent duplicates and import conflicts.

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# **Key Benefits of Custom Object Bulk Import  
**

Reliable bulk imports reduce manual work and help keep Custom Object data consistent as it grows.

-   **Faster Onboarding:** Import large sets of Custom Object records from a CSV instead of creating records one-by-one.
    
-   **Flexible Import Modes:** Create, Update, or Create + Update records depending on your use case.
    
-   **Cleaner Data with Dedupe:** Use unique fields to prevent duplicates and reduce record conflicts.
    
-   **Operational Control:** Pause, resume, or cancel imports from the Bulk Actions page.
    
-   **Better Visibility:** View import stats, row-level errors, warnings, and resolution guidance.
    

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## **How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import  
**

A clean CSV and correct mappings are the difference between a smooth import and a long troubleshooting cycle. Following a consistent setup process helps you avoid duplicates, reduce row-level errors, and ensure records are created or updated accurately.

1.  Open **Custom Objects** in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.
    
    
![Step 1 of 9: Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066065774/original/rURyE1iwWflD_PUpiaQse66Y64S2cOB6Pg.png)

**Step 1 of 9: Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object…**

This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 9 in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". At this point in the walkthrough you open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into. This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below. The next step is to click Import (top right).
- Where to go: Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.
- Fields: Map your fields:, Map Primary/Required fields first, Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
- Controls: Custom Objects, Import, Create &, Update., dedupe unique field, Primary/Required fields, Owner, Followers, Update empty values, Start Import, Bulk Actions → Custom Objects
- Next: Click Import (top right).

Full procedure:

1. Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.  <- this image
2. Click Import (top right).
3. Select objects to start importing.
4. Choose an import mode: Create & Update.
5. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
6. Map your fields:
7. Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).
8. Click Start Import.
9. Track and control your import from Bulk Actions → Custom Objects:

    
2.  Click **Import** (top right).
    
    
![Step 2 of 9: Click Import (top right)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066065600/original/UIMsXatm_JyFA7sfVL9VwolmksI0EKlQgQ.png)

**Step 2 of 9: Click Import (top right)**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 9 in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". At this point in the walkthrough you click Import (top right). For context, this section explains: A clean CSV and correct mappings are the difference between a smooth import and a long troubleshooting cycle. Following a consistent setup process helps you avoid duplicates, reduce row-level errors, and ensure records are created or updated accurately. This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below. The next step is to select objects to start importing.
- What to click: Click Import (top right).
- Fields: Map your fields:, Map Primary/Required fields first, Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
- Controls: Import, Custom Objects, Create &, Update., dedupe unique field, Primary/Required fields, Owner, Followers, Update empty values, Start Import, Bulk Actions → Custom Objects
- Next: Select objects to start importing.

Full procedure:

1. Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.
2. Click Import (top right).  <- this image
3. Select objects to start importing.
4. Choose an import mode: Create & Update.
5. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
6. Map your fields:
7. Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).
8. Click Start Import.
9. Track and control your import from Bulk Actions → Custom Objects:

    
3.  Select objects to start importing.
    
    
![Step 3 of 9: Select objects to start importing](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066065232/original/zaZPN74OlyQ5g-HV8ifGUAEBsN0PLYQ4Gw.png)

**Step 3 of 9: Select objects to start importing**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 9 in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". At this point in the walkthrough you select objects to start importing. For context, this section explains: A clean CSV and correct mappings are the difference between a smooth import and a long troubleshooting cycle. Following a consistent setup process helps you avoid duplicates, reduce row-level errors, and ensure records are created or updated accurately. This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below. The next step is to choose an import mode: Create & Update.
- What to choose: Select objects to start importing.
- Fields: Map your fields:, Map Primary/Required fields first, Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
- Controls: Custom Objects, Import, Create &, Update., dedupe unique field, Primary/Required fields, Owner, Followers, Update empty values, Start Import, Bulk Actions → Custom Objects
- Next: Choose an import mode: Create & Update.

Full procedure:

1. Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.
2. Click Import (top right).
3. Select objects to start importing.  <- this image
4. Choose an import mode: Create & Update.
5. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
6. Map your fields:
7. Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).
8. Click Start Import.
9. Track and control your import from Bulk Actions → Custom Objects:

    
4.  Choose an import mode: **Create &** **Update.**
    
    
![Step 4 of 9: Choose an import mode: Create & Update](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066065429/original/5fGsoLWs8irXuFFaDil3tdUvPgkeKfSHww.png)

**Step 4 of 9: Choose an import mode: Create & Update**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 9 in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". At this point in the walkthrough you choose an import mode: Create & Update. For context, this section explains: A clean CSV and correct mappings are the difference between a smooth import and a long troubleshooting cycle. Following a consistent setup process helps you avoid duplicates, reduce row-level errors, and ensure records are created or updated accurately. This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below. The next step is to if prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
- What to choose: Choose an import mode: Create & Update.
- Fields: Map your fields:, Map Primary/Required fields first, Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
- Controls: Create &, Update., Custom Objects, Import, dedupe unique field, Primary/Required fields, Owner, Followers, Update empty values, Start Import, Bulk Actions → Custom Objects
- Next: If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).

Full procedure:

1. Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.
2. Click Import (top right).
3. Select objects to start importing.
4. Choose an import mode: Create & Update.  <- this image
5. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
6. Map your fields:
7. Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).
8. Click Start Import.
9. Track and control your import from Bulk Actions → Custom Objects:

    
5.  If prompted, select the **dedupe unique field** (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
    
    
![Step 5 of 9: If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066065098/original/T8NBcPtgyGTdyLgLJrTj_5Tu5A2vD4Yw8w.png)

**Step 5 of 9: If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when…**

This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 9 in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". At this point in the walkthrough you if prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped). This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below. The next step is to map your fields.
- What to choose: If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
- Fields: Map your fields:, Map Primary/Required fields first, Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
- Controls: dedupe unique field, Custom Objects, Import, Create &, Update., Primary/Required fields, Owner, Followers, Update empty values, Start Import, Bulk Actions → Custom Objects
- Next: Map your fields:

Full procedure:

1. Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.
2. Click Import (top right).
3. Select objects to start importing.
4. Choose an import mode: Create & Update.
5. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).  <- this image
6. Map your fields:
7. Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).
8. Click Start Import.
9. Track and control your import from Bulk Actions → Custom Objects:

    
6.  Map your fields:
    
    -   Map **Primary/Required fields** first
        
    -   Then map additional fields (including **Owner** and **Followers**, if needed)
        
        
![Step 2 of 2: Then map additional fields (including Owner and Followers, if needed)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066064856/original/KKUgprH5g-oxMfptQen1ATJ6REsMcsS47w.jpeg)

**Step 2 of 2: Then map additional fields (including Owner and Followers, if needed)**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". At this point in the walkthrough you then map additional fields (including Owner and Followers, if needed). This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below.
- What this covers: Then map additional fields (including Owner and Followers, if needed)
- Fields: Map your fields:, Map Primary/Required fields first, Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
- Controls: Owner, Followers, Custom Objects, Import, Create &, Update., dedupe unique field, Primary/Required fields, Update empty values, Start Import, Bulk Actions → Custom Objects

Full procedure:

1. Map Primary/Required fields first
2. Then map additional fields (including Owner and Followers, if needed)  <- this image

        
7.  Enable **Update empty values** if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).
    
    
![Step 7 of 9: Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066066159/original/ehIpY0AMaOwb4bcZe_gW6Ydf9-QeB7ohbg.png)

**Step 7 of 9: Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank…**

This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 9 in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". At this point in the walkthrough you enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply). This part of the guide covers 3 fields, listed below. The next step is to click Start Import.
- What this covers: Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).
- Fields: Map your fields:, Map Primary/Required fields first, Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
- Controls: Update empty values, Custom Objects, Import, Create &, Update., dedupe unique field, Primary/Required fields, Owner, Followers, Start Import, Bulk Actions → Custom Objects
- Next: Click Start Import.

Full procedure:

1. Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into.
2. Click Import (top right).
3. Select objects to start importing.
4. Choose an import mode: Create & Update.
5. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped).
6. Map your fields:
7. Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply).  <- this image
8. Click Start Import.
9. Track and control your import from Bulk Actions → Custom Objects:

    
8.  Click **Start Import**.
    
9.  Track and control your import from **Bulk Actions → Custom Objects**:
    
    -   Pause, Resume, or Cancel as needed
        
    -   Open the import to view stats and row-level results
        

## 

![How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import (image 8 of 8)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155066066236/original/iF_oGNeWvqVEfLd26KRKyQVtGVghZSVXsg.png)

**How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import (image 8 of 8)**

This screenshot appears in the "How To Setup Custom Object Bulk Import" section of "Bulk Import Custom Object Records (CSV) with Bulk Actions". The text alongside this image reads: Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into. Click Import (top right). Select objects to start importing. Choose an import mode: Create & Update. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are…. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: When should I use Create vs Update vs Create + Update? A: Use Create for brand-new datasets, Update to modify existing records only, and Create + Update when your CSV contains a mix of new and existing records.
- Where to go: Open Custom Objects in your sub-account and select the Custom Object you want to import records into. Click Import (top right). Select objects to start importing. Choose an import mode: Create & Update. If prompted, select the dedupe unique field (only appears when multiple unique fields are mapped). Map your fields: Enable Update empty values if your use case requires applying blank values during update imports (primary/required exclusions still apply). Click Start Import. Track and control your import from Bulk Actions → Custom Objects:
- Next: Q: When should I use Create vs Update vs Create + Update? A: Use Create for brand-new datasets, Update to modify existing records only, and Create + Update when your CSV contains a mix of new and existing records.

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## **Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: When should I use Create vs Update vs Create + Update?**  
A: Use **Create** for brand-new datasets, **Update** to modify existing records only, and **Create + Update** when your CSV contains a mix of new and existing records.

**Q: Why am I asked to select a dedupe field?**  
A: If multiple **Unique Fields** are mapped, GHL Customer Care prompts you to choose which unique field should be used for dedupe matching during the import.

**Q: What does “strict conflict handling across unique fields” mean?**  
A: If a row would violate unique field rules (such as attempting to assign a unique value that already exists on another record), the import flags that row with errors or warnings so you can correct it.

**Q: What does “Update empty values” do?**  
A: It allows empty CSV values to be applied during updates, but **Primary/Required fields are excluded** from empty-value updates.

**Q: Can I pause an import and resume it later?**  
A: Yes. Imports can be **Paused** and **Resumed** from **Bulk Actions → Custom Objects**.

**Q: What happens if I cancel an import?**  
A: Canceling stops the import from continuing. Already-processed rows may remain applied, depending on what was completed before canceling.

**Q: Where do I see which rows failed and how to fix them?**  
A: Open the import details and use the **Stats** modal tabs to view **Errors** and **Warnings**. Row-level messages include **How to Resolve** guidance.

**Q: Can I import multiple Custom Objects in one CSV?**  
A: Not yet. **Multi-object import is currently disabled** and shows “Coming soon.”

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## **Related Articles**

-   [Custom Objects - Unique Fields Support](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/custom-objects/managing-custom-object-records/custom-objects-unique-fields-support)
    
-   [Importing Contacts and Opportunities via CSV](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/bulk-actions/importing-contacts-and-opportunities-via-csv)
    
-   [CSV File Format for Importing Objects](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/csv-file-format-for-importing-objects)
    
-   [Troubleshooting Bulk Imports Via CSV](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/troubleshooting-bulk-imports-via-csv)
    
-   [Creating and Updating Custom Object Records](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/custom-objects/getting-started-with-custom-objects/creating-and-updating-custom-object-records)
    
-   [Getting Started with Custom Objects](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/custom-objects/getting-started-with-custom-objects/getting-started-with-custom-objects)

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com