> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.stock-sync.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# How to Format Your CSV File Correctly for Importing/Updating

To ensure your CSV file imports correctly, follow these guidelines:

## Use Proper Column Headers or Index Mapping
* If your CSV file has **no headers**, you must map fields using **column index numbers** (for example, 1 for the first column, 2 for the second). 
* This is necessary when the file contains no column names or when headers are unreadable.

## Avoid Hidden Characters in Headers
* Some CSV files include **hidden BOM characters** (such as ) at the start of the first header.
* These hidden symbols prevent Stock Sync from recognizing the column name.
* Fix: Map using the **column index** instead of the header text.

## Prevent Excel From Modifying Identifiers
* Excel may automatically convert long numeric identifiers (such as **ISBN, EAN, barcodes, SKUs**) into scientific notation or truncate digits.
* This results in incorrect or duplicate identifiers.
* Fix:
* Format identifier columns as **Text** before saving.
* Or use a plain‑text editor (e.g., Notepad, VS Code) to avoid auto‑formatting.

## Check for Correct Row Separators
* Some CSV files use inconsistent line breaks, causing errors such as: "Incorrect row separator".
* Make sure your file uses a consistent row separator (typically line break \n).

Following these practices helps ensure your file is clean, readable, and imports without errors in Stock Sync.