# Importing data

> Importing data from a CSV file into the program.

https://workpan.com/en/doc/import/  
Published: 2019-01-21  
Updated: 2026-09-11

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Import from a **CSV** file lets you add data from a file into the program. New records are added and existing ones are updated.

Before importing, the file has to be prepared in the right format. That can be done in one of the following ways:

- [“Export”](https://workpan.com/en/doc/export/) the data
- Choose “download import template” in the import panel

![download the import template](https://workpan.com/images/doc/import/import-template.webp)

Once the file is ready, it has to be saved in **CSV** format. It is better to do that in **OpenOffice**. You can download it from the official site [openoffice.org](http://www.openoffice.org/download/index.html)

The saved file must have the following format:

<dl>
  <dt>File encoding:</dt>
  <dd>Unicode UTF-8</dd>
  <dt>Delimiter:</dt>
  <dd>Comma “,”</dd>
  <dt>Text delimiter:</dt>
  <dd>Double quotes “"”</dd>
  </dl>

If you do this in **OpenOffice**, these are the default values.

Once the file is prepared in the right format, open the reference book you need. Choose “Import” from the actions menu. In the modal window that appears, upload the file you prepared.

![Importing data](https://workpan.com/images/doc/import/import-menu.webp)

![Importing data](https://workpan.com/images/doc/import/import-modal.webp)