Importing contacts
Bring contacts in from a spreadsheet by uploading a CSV, mapping columns to OrganizeOS fields, and resolving any errors before the import completes.
On this page
Use a CSV import to add new contacts or update existing ones in bulk without creating duplicates. As long as your file includes at least one identifying field, OrganizeOS matches incoming rows to existing records and upserts them in place.
Prepare your CSV
Save your file as a CSV with column headers in the first row. Headers do not need to match OrganizeOS field names exactly. Remove non-contact rows such as totals and blank spacers, and make sure each person appears only once.
Upload and map columns
Open CRM in the workspace sidebar, then select Import (a desktop feature). Upload your file, then use the column-mapping step to connect each column to an OrganizeOS field:
| Your column (example) | OrganizeOS field |
|---|---|
| Email address | |
| First / Last name | First name / Last name |
| Phone | Phone |
| Labels, groups | Tags |
| Anything else | Custom field (if configured) |
Map at least one identifying field (such as email) so the system can match incoming rows to existing contacts. Unmapped columns are ignored.
Preview and confirm
After mapping, the wizard shows a preview of the first rows. Review it, correct any mapping errors, then confirm to start the import.
How imports merge into existing records
The CRM enforces one person, one record. An incoming row that matches an existing contact is upserted: new field values are applied and nothing is discarded. Rows that match no existing contact are inserted as new records, and each newly created contact gets a creation entry on its activity timeline.
Import errors
If the wizard detects validation problems (a malformed email, an unrecognized tag value, or a missing required field) it surfaces the affected rows before importing. Fix the file and re-upload. Rows with errors are not imported until the errors are resolved.
Why this matters
Clean imports are the foundation of reliable outreach. When every contact enters through a consistent, deduplicated process, your segments and campaigns reflect your real supporter base rather than an inflated or fragmented list.