How mapping works

Mapping is the part of a configuration that says where each value comes from: this column becomes the title, that one the body, this one the category. You do it once, with a sample file, and every later file is read the same way.

The destination decides which fields exist: the editor lists what your WordPress or Joomla site can accept, WordPress's or Joomla's, and you decide what feeds each of them.

The editor's sections#

Below Sample file and Destination the editor has four mapping sections. Each field is a box with a label, a list that says how it gets its value, and, depending on that, a column list, a fixed value or a template:

Four ways a field gets its value#

For most fields the list at the right of the label offers:

Value modes explains each in full, including what each does on a new item and on an update. Templates and placeholders covers the third.

Automatic matches#

When you create a configuration, columns whose names look like a field are chosen for it for you, ignoring case, spaces and punctuation (Title for the title, Body for the content, Slug for the slug, Status, Author, and so on). Check what the editor chose; it is only a starting point (column headers).

A field you do not map#

Optional fields you leave on Use destination default or Keep existing on updates are not touched: a new item gets the site's own default, and an existing item keeps what it has. You never have to map every field.

See the result before it is saved#

The Preview panel resolves any of the first 50 sample records with the current mapping, without sending anything: the title, the rendered body, categories, tags, image, custom fields and every other value. It refreshes as you change the mapping, so you can try a template or a category column and watch the result. Preview has the details.

What happens when you save#

Saving checks the mapping against the sample's columns and the site's current fields and tells you what is wrong, field by field. A valid save creates a new version (edit and versions). From then on, every file is turned into content with that version: each row becomes a set of values, which is validated, compared with what was published before, and shown to you in the review.

Mapping by platform#

The same editor is used for WordPress and Joomla; the fields differ. Two Joomla particulars to know early: its Category is required and one per item, and its Status choices are Published, Unpublished and Archived (Joomla specifics). WordPress posts may have several categories and any number of tags (categories, tags).

Where to go next#

• Title and slug
• Content and HTML
• Status, dates and authors
• Categories and tags
• Custom fields
• Empty cells and removing values
• Common mistakes