> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.channable.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.channable.com/import-data/import-how-to/import-your-product-data/import-via-a-data-file/requirements-for-import-files/delimiters.md). # Delimiters Learn which delimiters Channable supports and how to select the right one for your import file. Delimiters are characters used to separate each field within your imported data file. Choosing the right delimiter is important to ensure fields are correctly interpreted from your dataset. In this article, we go over common delimiters, delimiter options, and why delimiters are important. *** ### Common delimiters The following are common delimiters used to separate data: * **Comma** (`,`): Commonly used for CSV files. * **Semicolon** (`;`): Often used in European data to avoid misinterpreting values (e.g. comma can be used as a decimal separator for price). * **Tab:** Used in files with separated tabs. In text, this is represented with a large space. * **Vertical bar** (`|`): Common alternative when commas or semicolons appear within your data. * **Tilde** (`~`) * **Circumflex** (`^`) ### How Channable handles delimiters When importing product data from a data file, you'll be prompted to select your delimiter type. * **Automatically detect:** Channable will attempt to automatically identify your delimiter by analyzing the structure of your data file. * **Manually select:** Choose the delimiter that exactly matches the separation character used in your data file. ### Why selecting the right delimiter is important If you choose the wrong delimiter, Channable may not be able to correctly separate your product's attributes (e.g. price, description, name). This often results in whole rows appearing as single, unseparated fields, or being included in the wrong columns. You can notice this immediately in the **Edit mapping** stage of your import, or in **Items**. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://helpcenter.channable.com/import-data/import-how-to/import-your-product-data/import-via-a-data-file/requirements-for-import-files/delimiters.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.