# Import & export

> Bring CSV or Excel files into a table with column mapping, unit conversion and a dry run, and take everything out as one workbook.

Source: https://www.speclatch.com/guide/import-export
Plan: Every plan.
Last verified: 2026-11-10

## What to know first

- **CSV or Excel in.** Import an .xlsx or .csv file of up to 20 MB into one table at a time. SpecLatch reads the first sheet.
- **Columns map to fields.** Headers that match a field's name or key map themselves. You pick the rest, and a saved profile reuses the mapping next time.
- **Units convert on the way in.** Tell SpecLatch which unit a column uses. Each value converts into its field's unit as it imports.
- **A dry run first.** A dry run checks every row and writes nothing. **Apply** unlocks only after one.
- **Everything out.** The Admin role can download the whole workspace as one .xlsx file, at any time.

- [Import a spreadsheet](https://www.speclatch.com/guide/import-export/import-a-spreadsheet): Load a CSV or Excel file into a table: map its columns to fields, convert units, check a dry run, then apply.
- [Update existing records from a file](https://www.speclatch.com/guide/import-export/update-existing-records): Change many records at once from a spreadsheet: each row finds its record, a dry run lists every change, then you apply.
- [Export your whole organization](https://www.speclatch.com/guide/import-export/export-everything): Download every table, record and stored value as one Excel workbook, with sheets for links, files, documents and inquiries.
- [How columns map to fields; row states in the dry run](https://www.speclatch.com/guide/import-export/column-mapping-and-row-states): How an import pairs spreadsheet columns with fields, how each cell becomes a value, and what each row state in the dry run means.

## Where you see it

Open **Import** with **Import data** on **Tables**, with **Import** on the **Dashboard**, or with **Import a spreadsheet…** in a table's **New record** menu. The Admin and Engineering roles can import. The full export sits on **Billing** under **Your data**, as **Export workspace (.xlsx)**.

## An example

Say a foundry sends corrected flanged ball valve dimensions, in millimeters. Choose **Update existing records** and match on **Model #**. The **Face-to-face (mm)** column maps itself to the **Face-to-face (L)** field by name, but the unit in its header does not carry over. Set **Source unit** to mm, and a cell reading 177.8 imports as 7 in. The dry run lists each changed value, old and new, before anything is written.

## FAQ

### Which files can I import?

Files ending in .xlsx or .csv, up to 20 MB. SpecLatch reads the first worksheet and takes the first non-empty row as the headers. A cell holding an Excel formula imports its computed result. Save older .xls files as .xlsx first.

### How do I update records I already have?

Choose **Update existing records**, then match rows on **Model #**, **SKU** or **Name**. Map the match column and only the columns you are changing, because blank cells change nothing. Only Draft records accept changes, so return the others to Draft first. Under **Unmatched rows**, choose whether rows with no match are skipped or created as new records.

### What do the row states in the dry run mean?

**New** rows will be created, and **Update** rows change a matched record. **No change** rows match a record but differ in nothing. **Duplicate**, **Skipped** and **Error** rows are left out, and **Details** says why. Rows **with warnings** import, but the flagged values block sending the record for review until fixed.

### Which fields can't be imported?

**Calculated** fields compute their own values, and **Files** and **From linked records** fields fill in from elsewhere. **Link to records** fields can be imported. Each cell names records in the linked table by name, model number or SKU, separated by `|`.

### What does the export include?

One .xlsx file with a sheet per table: every record, trashed ones included, and every stored value, with retired fields marked. Extra sheets list record links, attachment files, documents and portal inquiries. Numbers come in each field's stored unit, which the column header does not name. The export works during the trial and while a workspace is read-only.