How to Import Products Through a CSV

Importing products into DecoNetwork using a CSV file can be a powerful way to add large catalogs of items quickly, but it requires careful formatting and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through how CSV imports work, the required file structures, and the common pitfalls to avoid when performing product imports. Watch the video below, then follow the instructions in this guide.

In this article

• Prerequisites
• Why use CSV imports
• Step 1: Download and prepare the sample CSV
• Step 2: Populate product data
• Step 3: Add images and color palettes
• Step 4: Upload your files
• Step 5: Match and update products
• Step 6: Finalize and configure products
• Best-Practice Tips
• Troubleshooting
• FAQs
• Additional Resources

Prerequisites

Why use CSV imports

Bulk imports with CSV are essential when dealing with large product catalogs or private brand products. Instead of entering items one at a time, CSV imports let you upload hundreds—or even thousands—of SKUs in a single process. Benefits include:

• Efficiency: Add large catalogs faster than manual entry.
• Consistency: Standardized data avoids manual errors.
• Mass updates: Reimport files to update prices, descriptions, or images in bulk.
• Flexibility: Works with both apparel and non-apparel items (e.g., drinkware, hard goods).

Step 1: Download and prepare the sample CSV

Always begin by downloading the official sample CSV files. These provide the correct column headers and formats. Do not rename or alter headers—DecoNetwork uses them to parse data correctly.

Step 2: Populate product data

Enter product details such as:

• Product name, code, and description
• Supplier and brand
• SKUs (each size/color variation must be its own row)
• Price and shipping weight
• Product type (must match one of the system defaults, such as Apparel, Headwear, or Bags)

Step 3: Add images and color palettes

You can bulk-upload images using a ZIP file. Reference file names exactly in the CSV under the Lifestyle Image and Product View columns. Color palettes can be imported as a separate CSV with hex codes.

Step 4: Upload your files

Navigate to Admin → Products → Import Products. Upload the following:

1. SKU CSV
2. Color CSV (optional)
3. Size CSV (optional, for apparel)
4. ZIP of images

DecoNetwork will validate files and confirm successful uploads. Any errors must be resolved before proceeding.

Step 5: Match and update products

During import, you can:

• Match existing products to update prices or images.
• Create missing brands and categories automatically.
• Choose whether to allow missing files or require strict matching.

Step 6: Finalize and configure products

Once imported, review products in the Products List.

• Assign decoration processes (these are not set by CSV).
• Add or adjust decoration areas.
• Verify product weights and dimensions for live shipping calculations.

Best-Practice Tips

• Keep one blank sample row in your CSV for reference.
• Never include empty rows—DecoNetwork will treat it as the end of file.
• Use consistent naming (e.g., “Black” not “Blk” or “black”).
• Images must be .jpg or .png at least 800×800 px (1200×1200 px recommended).
• Export CSVs in UTF-8 encoding to avoid parsing issues.

Troubleshooting

• Import stops mid-file: Check for an empty row in the CSV.
• Images not loading: File names in CSV and ZIP must match exactly.
• Product type errors: Ensure you’re using one of the predefined system product types.
• Shipping errors: Confirm all products have weight and dimensions set.

FAQs

Can I export products and reimport them?
No. You can only reimport CSVs you originally created. Supplier catalog products cannot be exported and reimported.

Can I add products without images?
Yes. You can import data without images and later assign DecoNetwork template views.

What happens if I reimport updated data?
Any data tied to the CSV (e.g., price, descriptions, image references) will be overwritten. Manual changes like added decoration areas will not be affected.

Additional Resources

• Importing Products
• Required Files for Importing Products
• Managing Product Images
• Creating Product Groups