Field mapping reference: sections, modes, settings and what each does
A cheat sheet for the editor: its sections and settings, the six value modes, template syntax, term and image options, and what each does on new and updated items.
- 4 min read
- Updated October 13, 2026
This is the short form of the field-mapping guides: look something up here, then follow the link for the reason.
The editor, top to bottom#
| Part | Settings |
|---|---|
| Sample file | The columns and first rows the mapping is made from. A file with the same header is expected every week (when columns change). My file has no header row reads it with its columns named Column A, Column B and so on (files without a header row). |
| Destination | Destination site, Content type, and Record ID: a column, or No ID column: match by slug or title (choosing the record ID). |
| Fields | One box per field of the content type (WordPress, Joomla). |
| Tags and categories | One box per taxonomy: Keep existing on updates, Replace with configured terms, Remove from every item, with the columns, separators and fixed terms (categories, tags). |
| Images | One box per image slot, with alt text, title and caption (image mapping). |
| Custom fields | Listed by the site, or added by name; a field with several values has Values separated by, a field made of parts has Set from the parts below (and Rows separated by when it holds several rows); the site's fields that can't be filled are listed below (custom fields). |
| Preview | Resolves any of the first 50 sample records without sending anything (preview). |
| When a new file is uploaded | The name, Let me review or Publish automatically when nothing needs my attention, and the emails switch (publishing options). |
The value modes#
| Mode | New item | Existing item |
|---|---|---|
| Source column | The cell | The cell replaces what the site has |
| Fixed value | The same value for every row | The same value is sent again |
| Template | The template with {{ Column }} filled in |
The result replaces what the site has |
| Use destination default | The site's own default | Left as it is |
| Keep existing on updates | The site's default | Left as it is |
| Remove from every item | Empty | Emptied |
| Set from the parts below | Each part from its own source | The parts replace what the site has |
Required fields offer only the first three, or Set from the parts below for a field made of parts. Remove from every item is offered for free-text fields that are not required, custom fields, images and taxonomies.
Template syntax#
{{ Column name }}inserts that column's value (spaces inside the braces do not matter).\{{writes the characters{{themselves.- A template is at most 262,144 characters, and names only columns that are in the file: The template refers to an unavailable column: X.
- In an HTML field, a placeholder inserts the value escaped, so tags in a value show as text. Map the column straight to the field to keep its HTML (templates).
Terms (categories and tags)#
| Setting | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Category or tag column | The column that holds the terms |
| Values separated by | Comma, Semicolon or Pipe |
| Parse paths such as Parent > Child | Reads A > B > C as a hierarchy; the hierarchy separator is one character |
| Parent category column | A column that holds each term's parent |
| Add source column | Another column of terms; the item gets all of them |
| Fixed category paths / Fixed tags | Terms given to every row, in addition to the columns |
| Add new … to the site when they don't exist yet | Creates missing terms when published; the review lists them first |
Images#
| Setting | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Source column / Same image for every item / Template | Where the image value comes from |
| Keep existing on updates / Remove the image from every item | What the file does to an existing image |
| Alt text, title, caption | Not set, Source column, Fixed value or Template; an empty value leaves the image's current text unchanged |
An empty image cell removes the image from that item on update; a missing image (a name not found) never removes anything.
Where each thing is explained#
How mapping works · Value modes · Empty cells and clearing a field · Mapping errors · Edit a configuration and its versions
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