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[Resolved] Known limitations importing from CSV to WordPress using Toolset

This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem: are there known limitations for importing from CSV?

Solution: It is possible to import post relationships and relationship field values with CSV imports. Some general CSV import limitations:
- Data in serialized formats is not importable. This includes certain field types like checkbox groups, skype fields, and fields that store multiple values.
- Date custom fields must be converted into Unix timestamp format to be usable by Toolset.
- Very large imports can put a heavy strain on your server.

Each CSV import plugin has its own feature set, more or less configurable with a built-in GUI.

Relevant Documentation:
https://toolset.com/documentation/user-guides/how-to-import-content-into-wordpress-using-csv/import-csv-ultimate-csv-importer-plugin/how-to-import-posts-from-csv-files-and-maintain-relationships-when-using-the-csv-importer-plugin/#example-4-many-to-many-relatinship-with-the-intermediary-post-type
https://toolset.com/documentation/user-guides/importing-content-from-csv-with-post-relationships/

This support ticket is created 5 years, 8 months ago. There's a good chance that you are reading advice that it now obsolete.

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This topic contains 4 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Ben 5 years, 8 months ago.

Assisted by: Christian Cox.

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#1214272

Ben

Are there any known limitations when importing from CSV to WordPress using Toolset?

Can I assign relationships (including relationship fields), etc?

#1214398

It is possible to import post relationships and relationship field values with CSV imports. Some general CSV import limitations:
- Data in serialized formats is not importable. This includes certain field types like checkbox groups, skype fields, and fields that store multiple values.
- Date custom fields must be converted into Unix timestamp format to be usable by Toolset.
- Very large imports can put a heavy strain on your server.

Each CSV import plugin has its own feature set, more or less configurable with a built-in GUI. This one provides an example for importing post relationships with fields (using an intermediary post type): https://toolset.com/documentation/user-guides/how-to-import-content-into-wordpress-using-csv/import-csv-ultimate-csv-importer-plugin/how-to-import-posts-from-csv-files-and-maintain-relationships-when-using-the-csv-importer-plugin/#example-4-many-to-many-relatinship-with-the-intermediary-post-type

More info: https://toolset.com/documentation/user-guides/importing-content-from-csv-with-post-relationships/

#1216486

Ben

Thank you for your reply Christian.

I will take a look at these links too!

Excuse my ignorance, but what is a serialised format?

#1216999

It's a shorthand of sorts that allows you to save complex data structures, like indexed arrays, using plain text strings. Then other systems can read and decode those strings to generate complex data structures.
https://www.unserialize.me/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serialization

#1218192

Ben

I'll take a look.

Thank you very much for your help with this Christian.