How can I import a .csv file with multi-reference fields (category and department) into Webflow and map them to the appropriate collection items?
TL;DR
- Create reference Collections in Webflow for each multi-reference field and ensure item names exactly match those in the CSV.
- Format the CSV with comma-separated values for multi-reference fields, export it as UTF-8, and use Webflow's import tool to map fields, ensuring all references exist beforehand.
To import a .csv with multi-reference fields like "category" and "department" into Webflow, you need to properly prepare reference collections and ensure CSV values match existing item names exactly.
1. Create Reference Collections First
- In Webflow, go to CMS, then create separate Collections for each multi-reference like Categories and Departments.
- Add all the items to these reference collections, making sure each name exactly matches what will appear in the CSV.
2. Prepare the CSV File
- Use a spreadsheet editor (like Google Sheets) and ensure your CSV includes:
- A column for each field, including multi-reference fields like category and department.
- For multi-reference fields, separate multiple values with commas (e.g.,
Operations, Finance).
3. Export as UTF-8 CSV
- Save or export the spreadsheet as a .csv file (UTF-8) — this prevents character encoding errors during upload.
4. Use Webflow's CSV Import Tool
- In the Designer, go to the desired Collection, click the Import button, and upload your CSV.
- Webflow will begin mapping columns to fields.
5. Map Multi-Reference Fields Correctly
- For each multi-reference field:
- Webflow will attempt to match each comma-separated name to an existing item in the referenced Collection.
- Every referenced item must already exist—Webflow can’t create new referenced items during import.
6. Resolve Any Matching Errors
- If Webflow doesn’t recognize some of the multi-reference values:
- Double-check that they exactly match the names of items in the reference Collections (case-sensitive).
- Fix these either in your spreadsheet or directly in the CMS Collections, and try the import again.
Summary
To import a CSV with multi-reference fields into Webflow, first create and populate the reference Collections (like categories and departments), ensure that CSV values exactly match existing item names, separate multiple values with commas, and use Webflow’s built-in import tool to map fields correctly.