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Instance · Data

Importing and Exporting Database Items

Last updated 1 November 2026

Insites facilitates efficient data transfer by enabling the import and export of database items, eliminating manual data entry from third-party systems.

For example, when migrating e-commerce data from a spreadsheet, you can create a corresponding database in Insites, matching fields to spreadsheet columns, and then import the CSV file generated by the third-party system. Conversely, Insites also supports exporting database items to a CSV file for transfer or duplication to external systems.

Importing database items

To import database items:

  1. Navigate to Data from the main menu.
  2. Select Databases.
  3. Find the database you want to import database items into and select its Items row action link.
  4. Select the overflow menu (), then select Import Database Items.
  5. Select the CSV Template link on the 'Import Database Items' drawer to download the import template.
  6. Use the CSV template as a guide for creating an import file that matches the input requirements in Insites.
  7. When your CSV file is ready, return to the 'Import Database Items' drawer by executing steps #1 - #4.
  8. Drag-and-drop your file or use the clickable area on the drawer to upload your CSV file.
  9. Click IMPORT DATABASE ITEMS to initiate the import process.

Import template

The import template is a CSV file that you can use to import your data into the correct fields within the database. Each database has a unique import template that matches the required headers in the database. The headers and column orders must remain unchanged from the provided template. Implementing this rule ensures the data is mapped to the respective fields and preserves data integrity.

Field restrictions

The table below lists the field input restrictions when importing database items using a CSV file:

FieldDescription
ID The first column of the template. A value updates the database item with that ID. If the cell is blank, a new database item is created.
Link The value must be a URL format e.g. https://www.insites.io.
Boolean The value must be either TRUE or FALSE.
Number The value must be in a number format only. Decimal values are not accepted.
Decimal The value must be in a number or decimal format.
Date The value must be in the YYYY-MM-DD format.
DateTime The value must be in an ISO 8601 format e.g. YYYY-MM-DDTHH:mm:ss.sssZ.

Note

Take note of the following system features and behaviours when importing database items into the database:

  • Fields that have an asterisk are required fields.
  • File, Image, and Media field types cannot be imported. They are removed from both the CSV import template and the exported data.
  • You can navigate to other parts of the Instance Admin while Insites imports your data.
  • You can check the status of the imports using the System Logs.

Error logs

Importing database items into the database cannot proceed if the field type rules are not followed. The logs display all the invalid values in the import CSV file. You can locate the source of the error/s via the row and column in the error logs.

Exporting database items

To export database items:

  1. Navigate to Data from the main menu.
  2. Select Databases.
  3. Find the database from which you want to export database items and select its Items row action link.
  4. Select the overflow menu (), then select Export Database Items.

Note

Take note of the following system features and behaviours when exporting database items from the database:

  • You can navigate to other parts of the Instance Admin while Insites exports your data.
  • You can check the status of the exports using the System Logs.