# CSV
A CSV file is a simple text file used to store tables of data, like spreadsheets or databases. Each line corresponds to a row, and values are commonly separated by commas. Opening CSV files directly in Excel can result in disorganized data, as Excel might not separate columns correctly. Understanding how to open CSV files properly in Excel ensures your data is displayed accurately and is easy to work with.
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Note: CSV is currently the best-optimized path to get data into Channable and using this format will result in the highest import speed.
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Example CSV file
### Before you start
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Important: Before importing, ensure your data file meets the [requirements for import files](https://helpcenter.channable.com/import-data/import-how-to/import-your-product-data/import-via-a-data-file/requirements-for-import-files).
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Good to know
* Your data feed URL **must be in an accessible online location**.
* CSV, TXT, XML, and JSON importers support compressed `.gz` and `.zip` files.
* The data feed has to be updated on the same URL, preferably at least once a day, with the latest product information such as stock and prices.
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### Set up import
1. In Channable, go to **Setup > + Setup import**.
2. Select the CSV file type.
3. Provide the requested information:
* For **Name**, give your import a descriptive name (e.g. "Webshop CSV import").
* For **CSV file url**, add the URL to fetch your live product data.
* For **Authentication**, select your authentication type (if using one).
* For **Encoding**, select your [encoding type](https://helpcenter.channable.com/import-data/import-how-to/import-your-product-data/import-via-a-data-file/requirements-for-import-files/encoding).
* **Automatically detect:** Channable will attempt to automatically identify your coding type.
* If your file is encoded with a specific type, select it from the list.
4. Click **Start import**. You will be directed to the **Edit mapping** page to import your product data.
### Map your products
This page displays fields retrieved from your data feed (e.g. price, description, title).
* Import field: Fields from your import data.
* Project field: Corresponding project fields in Channable. Our system will automatically detect and link most fields to standardized fields.
Match (map) your imported fields to a corresponding project field. Channable does most mapping automatically, but it's important to review and adjust before importing.
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Note: We create new project fields if we can't assign your import field to a standardized field. These fields will have a project field with the same name as your import field.
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#### Before you continue
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* Compare and adjust mapping:
Review your **Import fields** against Channable's matched **Project fields**. If a field was matched incorrectly, click on the field to select a different field.
* Check and correct field types:
Check that the right field type is assigned to your project fields. If a field has the wrong type, click **Edit** next to the field, select the correct type in the dropdown, and click **Save & Import**.
* Exclude fields (optional):
To exclude a field from being included in your product data, click the checkbox in the **Select** column for that field and click **Do not import selected fields**.
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Once you've finished mapping, click **Save & Import** to start importing your product data. Depending on how much data you're importing, it can take a while to finish.
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Note: Check the **Status** column in **Setup** to check your import progress. Your product data is fully imported when the Status is **Finished**.
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***
### Review your imported items
After your product data has finished importing:
* Go to the **Items** page to view your imported products.
* Click on an item to see detailed information.
Your import is now successfully set up! You can now use this product data to create and optimize Feeds, Marketplaces, Shopping Ads, and more in Channable.
### Opening a CSV file in Excel
Follow the steps below to open a CSV file in Excel.
1. Open a new Excel file.
2. Navigate to the *Data* tab and choose *From Text/CSV*.
3. Set *File Origin* to **65001: Unicode (UTF-8)**.
4. Determine the delimiter used in your CSV file (e.g., comma, semicolon or tab) and select the value for the *Delimiter* option.
5. Click *Load* in the bottom right corner to correctly open the CSV file in Excel.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your CSV files open correctly in Excel, preserving the data's accuracy.
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