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.

Updated on: 28/05/2026