Our new importer makes it easy to upload contact data in bulk and map your fields before finalizing. Follow the steps below to prepare your spreadsheet and complete the import process with confidence.
Watch a short walkthrough of importing new contacts and undoing an import.
Step 1: Prepare your spreadsheet
Your spreadsheet should contain one row per contact and clearly labeled columns.
Here are some of the most commonly used fields:
Column Name | Description |
| First name of the contact |
| Last name of the contact |
| Contact’s email address (required for SmartMail) |
| Phone number |
| Company or institution name |
| City |
| Country |
| State |
| Street Address |
| ZIP or Postal Code |
| Email of an existing ARTERNAL user to assign this contact to |
| Contact list name that already exists in your account |
| Tags to categorize the contact (separate multiple with commas) |
| Roles or relationship type (comma-separated if multiple) |
| Any relevant notes about the contact |
💡 Optional fields include mailing address, website, pronouns, honorifics, and more. If left blank, some fields will default (e.g., “Primary” for labels).
For a full list of fields, see our Contact Import Field Reference.
Want a template of these columns? Click here: Contact Template
Step 2: Launch the importer
Click your profile picture in the bottom left.
Click Import Wizard.
Once you’re in the portal:
Click Import Contacts to get started.
Next, upload your prepared .csv or .xlsx file by dragging it into the box or clicking to select from your computer > then click "Continue".
Step 3: Map your columns
After uploading your file, you’ll see the mapping column on the left, with each column name from your CSV listed in the dropdown on the right. The importer will automatically match any columns that align with ARTERNAL’s supported fields.
If a column isn't matched, you can manually select the correct field from the dropdown menu next to each column. For example, if your CSV has a column called additional_email, you might map it to Secondary email.
⚠️ Tip: Make sure every important column is mapped before continuing, so your data goes to the right place.
When you’re satisfied with all mappings, click Continue to move on to the data review stage.
Step 4: Review and fix data
Before importing, you’ll see a full preview of your data. Every cell is editable, so if there’s a typo or missing field, you can update it right on this screen.
Check your data before you continue. Look for typos, missing values, and values in the wrong column.
You can fix issues directly in the table. There's no need to reupload the file.
Tip: If you want to remove an entire row, simply click the row number on the left and then click the trash bin 🗑️ icon.
Step 5: Finalize the import
When your data looks right, click Continue to start the import.
⚠️ Don't close the window while importing. Wait for the progress bar to complete.
Step 6: View or revert import history
After import, you can visit the Import History page to:
See what was uploaded.
Click the ⋮ menu on an import and choose Revert to undo it. New contacts are removed, and updated contacts go back to how they were. Revert runs right away.
Delete only removes the import from the list. It does not undo the import.
Check your original file. New imports show Original spreadsheet saved under the file name. For older imports, click Choose original spreadsheet to add the file. Your import results don't change.
That's it. Your contacts are now uploaded and ready to go!
If you have any questions or want a second set of eyes on your spreadsheet, feel free to reach out via chat or email us at support@arternal.com. We're always happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What file types are supported?
A: The importer accepts CSV and XLSX files.
Q: Do I need to include every field in my spreadsheet?
A: No, only the fields you want to import. Any columns you leave blank will be ignored.
Q: Can I edit contacts after importing?
A: Absolutely! Once contacts are imported, you can edit or update them in ARTERNAL just like any other contact.