Tips & Tricks
Importing Assets to Shelf: CSV Guide
Find out what is important to keep in mind when preparing a proper CSV file for importing assets.
Introduction
Shelf allows you to import assets using CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files. This guide will help you create and import your asset data correctly.
Quick Start
- Download our pre-formatted CSV template
- Fill in your asset data
- In Shelf, click Assets > Import
- Select your filled CSV file
- Confirm the import
IMPORTANT: Do not use data exported from asset backup for imports. This will result in corrupted data.
CSV File Requirements
- Use comma (,) or semicolon (;) as delimiters
- Include all required columns (see below)
- The first row (header) will be ignored during import
Required Columns
- title
- description
- kit
- category
- tags
- location
- valuation
- custodian
Detailed Rules and Considerations
Basic Fields
- kit, category, location, custodian: Enter the name of the related entry. If it doesn't exist, it will be created.
- tags: For multiple tags, separate with commas. New tags will be created if they don't exist.
- valuation: Enter numeric values without currency symbols or commas.
Custom Fields
To add custom fields, use this format in the header row:
"cf: Field Name, type:data_type"
Available data types:
- text (default if no type is specified)
- boolean (use "yes" or "no")
- option
- multiline text
- date (use mm/dd/yyyy format)
Example custom field headers:
"cf: Serial Number,type:text"
"cf: Purchase Date, type:date"
"cf: Is Portable, type:boolean"
Important Notes
- Enclose fields containing commas in double quotes
- Each row creates a new asset; existing assets are not updated
- If any data is invalid, the entire import will fail
- Remove any empty rows at the end of your CSV file
Example CSV Structure
title,description,kit,category,tags,location,valuation,custodian,"cf: Serial Number,type:text","cf: Purchase Date, type:date"
"Laptop Model X","High-performance laptop",Office Equipment,Computers,"Laptop, High-Performance",Main Office,1500,John Doe,LPX12345,05/15/2023
Troubleshooting
- Ensure your CSV is saved with UTF-8 encoding
- Double-check that all required columns are present
- Verify that date fields use the mm/dd/yyyy format
For additional help, contact our support team.