# Upload Data into a Table

> Part of the NocoDB documentation (Product docs > Tables > Table Operations > Set Up). Index of all pages: https://nocodb.com/llms.txt. Any docs page is available as Markdown by adding `.md` to its URL.

URL: https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/import-data-into-existing-table
Last updated: 2026-09-25

Learn how to upload data into an existing table in NocoDB.

<AskNocoAI>
  <Prompt>
    Import the attached file into this table
  </Prompt>

  <Prompt>
    Import the attached file into [Contacts], matching its columns to the existing fields
  </Prompt>

  <Prompt>
    Import the attached file into this table and tell me how many records were added
  </Prompt>
</AskNocoAI>

## Import data from CSV / Excel

### Accessing import modal

1. Click on `⋮` context menu from the toolbar.
2. Select `Upload` from the dropdown menu.
3. Select `CSV` / `Excel` option.

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### Importing file data

1. Select file to upload

   There are two ways to upload source file:

   * **Upload** : Upload from local directory. Either click 'browse file' or drag and drop file.
   * **Add from URL** : Specify the URL of the file.
2. (*optional*) Select character encoding. By default, it is set to `UTF-8`.
3. Advanced Settings : **Use first record as header**
   * Enabled by default. If selected, the first record in the spreadsheet will be treated as the header record and its contents will be used as field names.
4. Click on `Upload files` button.
5. **Mapping Fields** (Optional)
   * You can reconfigure the mapping by utilizing the dropdown menu that appears when you click on the destination field.
   * Existing field names are listed under **NocoDB field** (column to the right), while new fields identified from the import file are listed under **Field** (column to the left).
   * NocoDB automatically maps field names in the import file based on the NocoDB field names.
   * A source column that does not match any existing field can be mapped to a brand new field. See [Mapping a column to a new field](#mapping-a-column-to-a-new-field) below.
6. **Exclude fields** (Optional)
   * Uncheck checkbox to exclude a field from being imported.
7. **Allow create missing select field options** (Optional)
   * If enabled, NocoDB will create new options for select fields that are not already present in the table.
8. **Initiate Import**
   * Click on the `Upload` button to commence the file import process.

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On completion, the imported data will be appended to the existing table.

### Mapping a column to a new field

If a source column does not match any field in the destination table, you can create a field for it instead of dropping the column. Open the destination dropdown for that column and choose **Create new field**. The row then shows the field name with a **New** badge, confirming that a field will be created during import.

Notes:

* New fields are created as `Single line text`. You can change the field type after the import completes.
* If a source column's title matches an existing field, it maps to that existing field instead of creating a duplicate.
* If a single field cannot be created, for example because your plan's field limit has been reached, that column is skipped and the rest of the import continues.

{/* SCREENSHOT NEEDED: destination-field dropdown open on an unmatched column, showing the "Create new field" option, and a mapped row displaying the "New" badge */}

### Excluding sheets from a multi-sheet Excel workbook

When the uploaded file is an Excel workbook with more than one sheet, each sheet shows a checkbox next to its name so you can exclude individual sheets from the upload. An excluded sheet is labelled **Won't be imported**. At least one sheet must remain included for the upload to proceed.

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## Related pages

- [Create Table](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/create-table.md): Learn how to create a table in NocoDB.
- [Create Table via Import](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/create-table-via-import.md): Learn how to create a table in NocoDB via import from CSV, Excel or JSON.
- [Actions on Table](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/actions-on-table.md): Learn how to rename, duplicate, and delete a table in NocoDB.
- [Table Tools](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/tables/table-operations/table-details.md): Manage fields, relations, permissions, webhooks and other table tools from one panel