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Using Formatter b Zapier to import a CSV

  • October 21, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 174 views

I am trying to use Formatter by Zapier to import a CSV file from Dropbox and parse map the field data through to Airtable.

Dropbox finds the file and Formatter interprets the file but it doesn't seem to read any of the data contained in the CSV. When running a test the line_items: field is blank.

I have tried the test on several types of file (Excel CSV, tab delimited text, MS DOS CSV, etc) but the data always appears blank.

I have followed the instructions from the help article "How to Import CSV Files with Formatter", but in that example the line_items are listed in when the Formatter test runs.

Is there something I am missing or does Formatter not function as described in that article?

Best answer by Troy TessaloneBest answer by Troy Tessalone

You’re passing in the File Name for the CSV File field, try the File Text instead.

Here’s an article about the type of data the CSV File field is expecting: https://zapier.com/help/create/basics/different-field-types-in-zaps#step-4

Hovering over the icon shows this help text and the icon is clickable to the link above.

 

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4 replies

Troy Tessalone
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Please provide screenshots of how your Zap steps are configured, thanks.

 

Also be sure to check out the common problems section of the article: https://zapier.com/help/doc/how-import-csv-files-formatter#common-problems-with-the-import-csv-file-utility


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 2 replies
  • October 22, 2020

Screenshots of the configuration attached. As you can see, the Zap picks up the CSV file from Dropbox but Formatter doesn’t appear to be reading the contents.


Troy Tessalone
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  • Zapier Expert
  • 30739 replies
  • Answer
  • October 22, 2020

You’re passing in the File Name for the CSV File field, try the File Text instead.

Here’s an article about the type of data the CSV File field is expecting: https://zapier.com/help/create/basics/different-field-types-in-zaps#step-4

Hovering over the icon shows this help text and the icon is clickable to the link above.

 


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 2 replies
  • October 22, 2020

Ah! You are wonderful. Fixed the input and it works a treat.