# Create a Baserow Table by Importing a CSV or Excel File

> Skip manual data entry by turning an existing CSV, JSON, XML, or Excel file straight into a populated Baserow table with automatically detected field types.

Source: https://opennix.org/en/docs/baserow/tables/create-a-table-via-import/


Instead of typing data in by hand, upload a CSV, JSON, XML, or Excel file, or paste data straight from a spreadsheet, and Baserow builds a matching table with the right fields and rows automatically.

## Overview

Importing produces a fully populated table from an existing data file or spreadsheet without manual entry - upload the file and Baserow creates a table with appropriate fields and rows. This is the fastest way to bring data from spreadsheets, exports, or other platforms into Baserow.

## Supported Import Formats

| Format | Best for | File extension |
|---|---|---|
| Paste data | Quick transfers from spreadsheets | - |
| CSV | Simple tabular data from any spreadsheet app | `.csv` |
| JSON | Structured data exports from APIs or apps | `.json` |
| XML | Hierarchical data from technical systems | `.xml` |
| Excel | Spreadsheet files | `.xlsx`, `.xls`, `.ods` |

Every import method is capped at 5,000 rows per table; for larger datasets, split the file and import it in batches.

## Before Importing: Preparing the Data

**Clean the data:** remove empty rows and columns, keep formatting consistent (one date format, numbers without stray text), and make sure column headers are unique and descriptive.

**Mind the format:** the first row should hold column headers (recommended, not required); each column should hold one type of data; keep the file under 10 MB when possible.

All imported data starts out as text fields. After importing, [convert the fields](/docs/baserow/fields/field-customization/) to the right types (numbers, dates, select options, and so on) - or [import into an existing table](/docs/baserow/tables/import-data-into-an-existing-table/) instead to use field types that are already configured.

## How to Import Data

### Method 1: Paste Data from a Spreadsheet

The fastest option for copying data straight out of Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet app - no intermediate file needed.

1. Open a [database](/docs/baserow/database-builder/intro-to-databases/) in the sidebar and click **+ New table**.
2. Enter a descriptive name for the new table.
3. Select **Paste table data**.
4. Copy cells from the spreadsheet (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C) and paste them into the text area.
5. Check **First row is header** if the pasted data includes column names.
6. Review the preview and click **Add table**.

### Method 2: Import a CSV File

CSV (comma-separated values) is the universal format every spreadsheet app supports.

1. Open a database and click **+ New table**.
2. Enter a table name.
3. Select **Import a CSV file** and upload it.
4. Configure the column separator (usually a comma, sometimes a semicolon or tab), the encoding (UTF-8 works for most files), and whether the first row is a header.
5. Review the preview and click **Add table**.

If the data looks scrambled, try a different column separator; if special characters look wrong, try a different encoding.

### Method 3: Import a JSON File

JSON files hold structured data and are common exports from APIs, databases, and web applications.

1. Open a database, click **+ New table**, and name it.
2. Select **Import a JSON file** and upload it.
3. Choose the encoding (usually UTF-8), check the data structure in the preview, and click **Add table**.

The file must be an array of objects sharing the same keys; nested objects get flattened during import.

### Method 4: Import an XML File

XML files hold hierarchical data, often exported from technical or enterprise systems.

1. Open a database, click **+ New table**, and name it.
2. Select **Import an XML file** and upload it.
3. Review the preview and click **Add table**.

Complex nested structures get simplified on import, so a file with a flat, tabular structure works best.

### Method 5: Import an Excel File

![Import an Excel file dialog when creating a new Baserow table](/images/baserow/tables/baserow-import-excel-file.png)

Import an existing Excel workbook (`.xlsx`, `.xls`, or `.ods`) directly into a new Baserow table:

1. Open the database.
2. Click **+ Add table**.
3. Select **Import an Excel file** and enter a table name.
4. Click **Choose Excel file** and select the workbook.
5. If the workbook has multiple sheets, choose the one to import from the **Sheet** dropdown.
6. Choose whether the first row should be used as column headers.
7. Review the preview and click **Add table**.

## After Importing: Next Steps

All imported data starts as text fields - [convert them](/docs/baserow/fields/field-customization/) to the right types: text that looks like numbers into a number field, text with dates into a date field, repeated values into a single or multiple select field. If the imported data references other tables, set up link-to-table fields, and [set up filters and sorting](/docs/baserow/views/filters-in-baserow/) to work with the result.

## Fixing Common Import Issues

**Import stuck pending.** Usually a system timeout or file-processing issue; jobs fail and clear automatically after 90-95 minutes. Wait for the timeout, then retry with a smaller file.

**Data lands in the wrong columns.** Typically wrong separator detection (CSV) or a malformed file - manually set the correct column separator.

**Special characters look wrong.** Usually an encoding mismatch; try a different encoding, most often UTF-8.

**Import exceeds the row limit.** Split the file into pieces under 5,000 rows each and import them separately.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is the difference between creating a table via import and importing into an existing table?** Creating via import builds a new table with automatic structure detection, and every field starts as text. Importing into an existing table adds data to fields that are already configured with the right types.

**Can I import several files at once?** No, import one file at a time - each import creates a separate table.

**Why do dates and numbers show up as text?** All imported data starts as text fields to avoid data loss from incorrect type conversion; convert the fields manually after importing.

**How do I import more than 5,000 rows?** Split the large file into smaller ones under 5,000 rows each, import them as separate tables, and consolidate afterward if needed.

**Can I preview the data before finishing the import?** Yes, every import method shows a preview before the table is created, so column separation, encoding, and structure can be checked first.

Next, read [Import Data into an Existing Table](/docs/baserow/tables/import-data-into-an-existing-table/) to learn how to add and update data in a table that is already set up.