# Upload Data into a Table

> Part of the NocoDB documentation (Product docs > Tables > Table Operations > Set Up). Index of all pages: https://nocodb.com/llms.txt. Any docs page is available as Markdown by adding `.md` to its URL.

URL: https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/import-data-into-existing-table
Last updated: 2026-10-03

Upload data from a CSV or Excel file into an existing NocoDB table.

<AskNocoAI>
  <Prompt>
    Import the attached file into this table
  </Prompt>

  <Prompt>
    Import the attached file into [Contacts], matching its columns to the existing fields
  </Prompt>

  <Prompt>
    Import the attached file into this table and tell me how many records were added
  </Prompt>
</AskNocoAI>

## Import data from CSV / Excel

### Accessing import modal

1. In the toolbar, click the `⋮` context menu.
2. In the dropdown menu, select `Upload`.
3. Select `CSV` / `Excel`.

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### Importing file data

1. Select the file to upload

   Add the source file in one of two ways:

   * **Upload** : Upload a file from a local directory. Click 'browse file', or drag and drop the file.
   * **Add from URL** : Enter the URL of the file.
2. (*optional*) Select the character encoding. The default is `UTF-8`.
3. Advanced Settings : **Use first record as header**
   * Enabled by default. If selected, NocoDB uses the first record in the spreadsheet as the header. Its contents become the field names.
4. Click `Upload files`.
5. **Mapping Fields** (Optional)
   * To change the mapping, click the destination field and select a field in the dropdown menu.
   * The **NocoDB field** column (on the right) lists the existing field names. The **Field** column (on the left) lists the new fields found in the import file.
   * NocoDB maps the field names in the import file to the NocoDB field names automatically.
   * You can map a source column that does not match an existing field to a new field. Refer to [Mapping a column to a new field](#mapping-a-column-to-a-new-field).
6. **Exclude fields** (Optional)
   * To exclude a field from the import, clear its checkbox.
7. **Allow create missing select field options** (Optional)
   * If enabled, NocoDB creates the select field options that are not already in the table.
8. **Initiate Import**
   * Click `Upload`. The file import starts.

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When the import is complete, NocoDB adds the imported data to the end of the existing table.

### Mapping a column to a new field

If a source column does not match a field in the destination table, you can create a field for it. You then do not lose the column.

1. Open the destination dropdown for that column.
2. Select **Create new field**. The row shows the field name with a **New** badge. This tells you that NocoDB creates the field during the import.

Notes:

* NocoDB creates new fields as `Single line text`. You can change the field type after the import is complete.
* If the title of a source column matches an existing field, the column maps to that field. NocoDB does not create a duplicate.
* If NocoDB cannot create a field, it skips that column and continues the import. For example, this happens when your plan's field limit is reached.

{/* SCREENSHOT NEEDED: destination-field dropdown open on an unmatched column, showing the "Create new field" option, and a mapped row displaying the "New" badge */}

### Excluding sheets from a multi-sheet Excel workbook

When you upload an Excel workbook with more than one sheet, each sheet has a checkbox next to its name. Use the checkbox to exclude a sheet from the upload. An excluded sheet shows the label **Won't be imported**. At least one sheet must stay included, or the upload cannot continue.

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## Related pages

- [Create Table](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/create-table.md): Create a table in NocoDB from scratch or with NocoAI.
- [Create Table via Import](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/create-table-via-import.md): Create a table in NocoDB by importing a CSV, Excel, or JSON file.
- [Actions on Table](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/actions-on-table.md): Rename, duplicate, delete, and describe a table in NocoDB, change its icon, and find its table ID.
- [Table Tools](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/table-details.md): Use the Tools panel in NocoDB to manage fields, relations, permissions, webhooks, and other table tools from one place.