Import a Project with Custom Fields from a Spreadsheet

In this article, we will discuss how to import a project with custom fields from a spreadsheet. Your custom fields can include tasks, due dates, assignees, and any other related task details. BasicOps has the ability to import data from spreadsheets and other data sources. For example, you can import project data from an Excel spreadsheet, a csv file, or even another project management application.  

This article will cover how to:

• Import From a Spreadsheet
• Mapping Fields to Spreadsheet Columns
• Mapping Users
• Adding and Modifying Custom Fields
• Accessing Your New Project

Importing From a Spreadsheet

The following example will demonstrate how to import project data from a spreadsheet.  

In order to import project data from a spreadsheet, you first need to select Add Project from within the Projects section. If you're not in the Projects section already, you can instead click the + icon next to Projects in the left hand side panel.  

A popup window will then be displayed titled Add Project.  Select Import Existing Project from the menu options.

Next you will see the Import Existing Project popup window. Select Upload from computer and then select the spreadsheet file that you want to import. (Note that you can also drag and drop the spreadsheet file to this screen.)

In this example, we are uploading an excel spreadsheet in the .csv format.  You can also import spreadsheets in the xls, xlsx, and tsv formats.   

You will see a preview of the data that you are importing. Checking the box at the top will ensure that the first row imported is a header. Clicking Next will start the import.  Cancel will abort the import.

 

Mapping Fields to Spreadsheet Columns

It will be necessary to map the columns in your spreadsheet to the fields in BasicOps that best match. This is required so that BasicOps knows what to do with the spreadsheet data.  

Adding and Modifying Custom Fields

If your data cannot be mapped to a BasicOps field, you may choose to add a custom field representing one of the spreadsheet columns by choosing the Add custom field option.

NOTE: Custom Fields are available only on Professional plans and above.

BasicOps will use the data in the spreadsheet to guess the data type for the custom field, but you may choose another type in the dialog. See Custom Fields for more information about custom fields.

 

Mapping Users

You will also be required to map the users referenced in your data. In this example, the first and last name came from the assignee column in the spreadsheet. BasicOps will then try to map those users to existing users in the app. Or, if no user is found or you would like to map to someone new, you have the ability to invite a new user by clicking on the Map to field.

You will then get one last chance to review your data before clicking import.

 

Accessing Your New Project

And finally, your import is complete. You can then review your data in the BasicOps environment.