Using the List Importer

Enterprise Last reviewed February 17, 2026

If you’ve collected a list of leads or entries outside of ShortStack, you can import it into ShortStack to use within the platform. Follow the steps below to prepare and upload your list.

Step 1: prepare your list

Before uploading, ensure your list is properly formatted to avoid errors:

1.1 parse data into individual columns

Separate your data into individual columns. Combined columns (e.g., a full name in one column) will cause errors during import.

Example: Split First Name and Last Name into two separate columns.

1.2 add appropriate column headers

The system requires specific column headers that match the type of data being uploaded.

You can use the headers below or download our template.

Use the following standard headers:

Standard Headers	Description
`email`	Email address
`first_name`	First name
`last_name`	Last name
`address_1`, `address_2`	Address details
`city`, `province`, `postal_code`, `country`	Location fields
`agree`, `approved`	Checkbox fields (true/false or 1/0)
`phone`, `age`	Phone number and age
`votes1`, `votes2`, `votes3`	Voting data
`entry_title`, `entry_description`	Entry details
`created_at`	Creation date
`category`	Category field
`post_url`	Upload Field

Checkbox Fields Note:
Values must be:

true or 1 for yes.
false or 0 for no.

1.3 using custom fields

If you need to use custom fields, follow this syntax:

Field type + underscore + custom label (no spaces or special characters).

Custom Field Headers Example	Description
`boolean_mylabel`	New custom checkbox field named "mylabel".
`text_myfield`	Custom text field named "myfield".

If you are mapping data to an existing custom field in your ShortStack Field Library, use the field’s existing name. Example:

custom_boolean_3

1.4 save as a.csv file

Ensure your file is saved in .csv format. The system does not support other file types.

Step 2: upload your list

Once your list is formatted and saved as a .csv file, follow these steps to upload it into ShortStack:

Log into your ShortStack account.
On the Home page, click Manage, then select Lists.
In the top-right corner, click the Import List button.
Use the provided fields to:
- Add a name for your new imported list.
- Add any tags (optional).
- Click Next.
Select the .csv file you want to upload, then click Next.
Agree to the terms provided. (This step is required to proceed.)
Click Submit.

Step 3: processing and notifications

Once submitted, the file will be processed, and the entries will be imported in the background.

You’ll receive a notification when:

The upload is complete, or
An error occurs (with details to resolve it).

Step 4: accessing your imported list

After the upload is complete:

Navigate to the Lists Manager.
Find your new list using the name and tags you assigned.

From here, you can use your imported list just like any other list in ShortStack.

How to Configure a List Field (Video)

Lists Manager (Help Docs)

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