Import Data from a Spreadsheet

Importing Data

Data can be imported into Layer from existing Excel or CSV spreadsheet files to help jump-start your work in Layer. The import process can create or update Categories, Fields, and Elements.

Steps

Begin the import process from the Project Menu or the New Category Dialog.

Uploading a File

We currently support CSV, TSV, XLS, or XLSX file types for importing, though only a single file can be imported at a time. If you want help getting started, check out our spreadsheet template.

After you upload a file, Layer will perform some initial processing in an attempt to auto-match tabs to preexisting categories and columns to preexisting fields in your Layer Project and provide a sample of the data to be imported during the mapping steps.

Mapping Categories

After uploading a file, map the sheets or tabs in your import to existing or new Layer categories. Layer will try to auto-match to existing categories by name, so ensure that the options are configured as you expect. If you have tabs you do not wish to import, select the “Do Not Import Sheet” option to exclude them.

Mapping Fields

For each sheet selected for importing, map the columns in your file to fields in Layer. If importing into an existing category, you will be able to select existing fields as well as create new fields of a specific type. If importing into a new category, you will only be able to map columns to new fields.

💡Updating Existing Elements If you’re updating existing elements with imported data, use the “Match to Property” option to specify either the Unique Layer ID, which can be obtained from or the Layer API, or the Unique Element Number, which can be obtained from the Element Number field. Note that if a column is selected to be mapped as the “Match to Property” but contains duplicates, the import will fail.

Confirm Import

Use the confirmation screen to confirm the number of elements and fields to be imported into your project and start the import. Once started, you’re free to navigate away from the import dialog and watch your data appear in your project.

Best Practices

Avoid the Export → Import Loop

It can be tempting to export data from Layer in order to manipulate it in other tools or as part of traditional workflows, but the loop of exporting Layer data, editing it, and importing back into Layer is prone to causing data issues over time. Be cautious when attempting this strategy and feel free to reach out to support to see if there’s a way to accomplish your goals within Layer or suggest new features to make that possible.

Keep It Simple

Importing simple data structures work best, so if you have complicated formats or cross-tab relationships, try to clean up your spreadsheet to just include the essentials. We suggest saving a copy of your spreadsheet with extraneous tabs, rows, and columns removed to simplify the mapping steps in Layer and minimize the chances of importing unintended data. Feel free to reach out to support if you have particular questions about including complicated data and need assistance. The Layer API can also be used for more complex data inputting needs.

Be Careful with Updates

Exercise caution when updating existing elements with imported data. Imported field data will always overwrite data when updating elements for all fields selected as part of the import.

Try a Test Import

We recommend doing a smaller test import to check which fields you want to map to and which types to use, as this can't be changed after they are created.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I update existing elements with data from a spreadsheet?

  • Yes, it is possible to update existing elements with data from a spreadsheet, but it requires a column in your spreadsheet for the Element Numbers or Unique Element IDs for every element that you wish to update. The values in this column must be unique or the import will fail. See the column mapping above for more details.