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Common spreadsheet mistakes, and the fix for each

A checklist of the mistakes behind most import problems: headers, IDs, dates, numbers, encoding, merged cells, images and more, with what you see and how to fix each one.

  • 5 min read
  • Updated October 13, 2026
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Most problems with an import come from the same dozen things. Read the list once before the first upload and use it as a checklist when something looks wrong. Every line links to the page that explains it.

In the header row#

Mistake What you see The fix
A title or a blank line above the header. Row 1 is read as the header. Columns named after your first data row, or This file doesn't match the configuration. Delete the rows above the header so that the column names are in row 1 (column headers).
No header row at all: the export starts with the first item. Row 1 (…) looks like data, not column names, or The first row must contain unique column names of at most 200 bytes. with Row 1 looks like data. Select My file has no header row and map Column A, Column B and so on, or add a header row to the export (files without a header row).
A repeated header cell: two columns both called Title. The first row must contain unique column names of at most 200 bytes. Give every column a different name, or delete the unused column.
An empty header cell over a column you use. The column is called by its position, such as Column C, and moves to the next letter when a column is added before it. Give it a name (column headers).
Blank rows above the header. Row 1 is empty: delete the empty rows above the column names, or, if the file has none, read it without a header row. Delete them.
A column renamed since last week. This file doesn't match the configuration with the missing column named. Rename it back, or point the mapping at the new name (when columns change).
A header with only a header and no data rows. Add a header row and at least one non-empty data row. Add the data.

In the cells#

Mistake What you see The fix
Dates typed as text in another format, such as 27/09/2026 or next Tuesday. Publish date: The resolved value must be a valid date. Use 2026-09-27 or 2026-09-27 09:00. Slashes are read month first, so 01/02/2026 is 2 January (dates).
Numbers with a comma as the decimal separator in a CSV (12,5). The resolved value must be a number, such as 12 or 12.5. Write 12.5, with no thousands separator.
Leading zeros that vanish (007 becomes 7) or long numbers shown as 1.23E+15. Item IDs or codes that no longer match. Format the column as Text before typing or pasting, or use a CSV.
A formula whose result was not recalculated before saving. The old value is published. Recalculate and save, or paste the values only (formulas).
Merged cells. Only the first cell of a merged area holds the value. Empty cells in the other rows. Unmerge and fill the value down.
Hidden rows or a filter. Hidden rows are still read. Items you thought were left out are published. Delete the rows you do not want.
Several sheets. Only the first worksheet is read. The data on sheet 2 is never seen. Put the data on the first sheet.
An unquoted comma inside a text cell of a CSV. This row has more cells than the header. Put cells that contain commas in double quotes, or use Excel (CSV or Excel).
Broken or unclosed HTML. The page on your site looks wrong. Check the HTML before you upload (HTML in cells).

In the IDs, categories and status#

Mistake What you see The fix
An ID column with blanks or repeats. Record ID: “HLJ-603” is used by an earlier row in this file. One unique ID on every row (duplicate rows).
IDs that change from week to week (row numbers, new exports). Every row is new and last week's items stay. Keep each item's ID for ever (choosing the record ID).
Category names spelled two ways (Boat care, Boat Care). The review lists both as new categories. Fix the spelling in the file; read the New on the site box before publishing (new categories and tags).
A status your site does not offer (Live, Veröffentlicht). Status: The resolved value is not one of the destination choices. Use Published, Draft, Pending review or Private (status).

In the file itself#

Mistake What you see The fix
A CSV saved in the wrong encoding, so accents turn into odd characters or the file is refused. Garbled letters, or This file could not be processed. Save as CSV UTF-8 (character encoding).
A spreadsheet saved as .xlsb or from Numbers. A refusal that says what to save instead. Save as .xlsx or CSV (supported file formats).
An image column with no ZIP, or file names that differ by a letter. Not found in … for every image. Add the ZIP; match names exactly (images).
A file over a limit. Use at most 10,000 data rows and 100 columns. Split or slim it (large files).

Before you upload: a one-minute check#

  1. Row 1 holds the column names, each different.
  2. Every row has an ID, and no ID repeats.
  3. Dates look like 2026-09-27 09:00, numbers use a dot.
  4. Codes with leading zeros are text.
  5. The data is on the first sheet, with no merged cells and no hidden rows you do not want.
  6. The file is CSV UTF-8 or a workbook.
  7. Image names in the sheet match the names in the ZIP.

Then drop the file and read the review: it shows every problem above before anything reaches your site.

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