In this article, we discuss the following topics:
Common error messages during a CSV import
Concrete examples of error messages
Checkpoints when an import fails
Tips & tricks for a successful import
Troubleshooting via the browser console
Common error messages during a CSV import
During the import of a CSV file, various error messages may occur. Below you will find an overview of common messages and their possible causes.
File cannot be processed
This often means that the structure of the CSV file is incorrect.
Check the following:
The file is saved as .csv
The columns are separated by commas or semicolons
The column names in the first row are spelled correctly
There are no empty columns or rows in the file
Required column missing
Some fields are required for a successful import.
Check whether:
All required columns are present in the file
The column names exactly match the required structure
The first row only contains column names
Invalid value or format
This message appears when values do not match the expected format.
For example, check if:
Email addresses have a valid format
Dates use the correct date format
Numeric fields contain numbers only
Concrete examples of error messages
Below are examples of error messages that may occur during a CSV import.
"Invalid CSV format"
Possible causes:
The file contains incorrect delimiters
The file was saved as an Excel file instead of CSV
The first row does not contain valid column names
"Missing required field"
This means that a required field is missing in the CSV file.
Check:
Whether all required columns are present
Whether the column names exactly match the required structure
Whether there are typos in the column names
"Invalid value" or "Validation error"
This message appears when a value does not meet validation rules.
Examples:
An invalid email address
A date in the wrong format
A field containing text where a numeric value is expected
"Duplicate entry"
This means that a value that must be unique already exists.
For example:
An email address that already exists in the system
A user ID that already exists
Checkpoints when an import fails
If a CSV import fails without a clear error message, check the following:
The CSV file does not contain hidden characters
The file is saved in UTF-8 encoding
The column order matches the expected import structure
There are no duplicate values in fields that must be unique (for example email addresses)
It can also help to:
Save the CSV file again
Test the import with a small test file (for example 1–2 rows)
Tips & tricks for a successful CSV import
To prevent import issues, you can use the following best practices:
Preferably use Excel or Google Sheets to create the CSV file
Always check whether the column names exactly match the required structure
Avoid special characters such as extra quotation marks or unnecessary spaces
Make sure there are no empty rows at the bottom of the file
It may also help to use an existing working CSV file as a template.
Troubleshooting via the browser console
If an import keeps failing without a clear error message, you can find additional information via the browser console.
Follow these steps:
Open the page where you perform the CSV import
Open the Developer Tools in your browser
Windows: F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I
Mac: Cmd + Option + I
Go to the Console tab
Perform the CSV import again
Check if error messages appear in the console
Pay particular attention to messages such as:
400 / 422 errors → issue with the data in the CSV file
Validation errors → a field does not meet the required rules
Network errors → issue uploading the file
When contacting support
When contacting support, it helps to:
Include a screenshot of the console error
Attach the CSV file you are using
Mention which import you are trying to perform
This helps determine the source of the problem more quickly.