> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.kinship.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to batch update items by importing a CSV file

> Learn how to update items in your Library and Collections by uploading a CSV file.

After exporting and editing a CSV, you can import it to apply batch updates to items in your Library.

Import is available to Content Managers and Administrators only.

## Before you start

* Your CSV must include an **ID** column. Without it, rows in the CSV can't be matched to Library items.
* Only editable fields are updated. Non-editable columns (such as Category or Revit Version) are ignored.
* It doesn't matter which listing you start the import from — updates are applied to matching items across your entire Library and Collections.

## Import a CSV

1. Open the more **⋯** menu from any listing view and click **Import CSV...**, or go to the **Batch Updates** page and click **Import CSV**.
2. Drag your CSV file on to the dialog, or click **Browse** to select it.
3. Click **Import**.

<Frame>
  <img className="block" src="https://mintcdn.com/kinship/G5kxgu9J84sm6_Ns/images/batch-update-import-with-file.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5kxgu9J84sm6_Ns&q=85&s=13200444f1f165564b93533da7007f9c" alt="The Import dialog with a CSV file selected, ready to import." width="1096" height="956" data-path="images/batch-update-import-with-file.png" />
</Frame>

After the dialog closes, the imported CSV is processed in the background. You can continue working and navigate away from the page you are on if you need.

<Note>
  You can import changes to items from a listing of materials, and vice versa.
</Note>

## If something goes wrong

If there is an issue with the imported CSV file (for example, if it doesn't contain an ID column), a notification appears at the bottom of the screen. Go to the Batch Updates page to see the specific issue with the imported file.

## Check the status of your import

Every import appears on the **Batch Updates** page, accessible from **Batch Updates** at the bottom of the Library page.

Each import shows the filename and a status badge:

* **In Queue** — waiting to be processed.
* **Processing** — updates to Library items are being applied.
* **Completed** — the import finished successfully.
* **Failed** — an error prevented the import from processing.
* **No Updates** — the file was processed but no items changed.

Click any import to see a summary, including who ran it, when it finished, how many items were updated, and any errors encountered.

For details on specific error messages and what they mean, see [Batch updating — Reference](reference-batch-update-fields).

## Things to know

* **Changes overwrite current values.** Whatever value is in the CSV replaces what's currently in the Library, regardless of when the file was exported. Coordinate with your team when multiple team members are working on the same content.
* **Empty cells clear fields.** If an editable column is present and a cell is empty, that field is cleared on the item. The exception is Name — an empty Name skips the row instead. Materials with empty values for Class are moved to the "Unassigned" Class page.
* **Missing IDs are skipped.** If an ID doesn't match any existing item or material, the row is skipped. This can happen when items have been deleted since the export.

<Warning>
  Importing a CSV overwrites the current values of any editable field included in the file. Review your CSV carefully before importing.
</Warning>

## Learn more

* [How to export a CSV file](how-to-export-a-csv) to download content for editing.
* [Batch updating — Reference](reference-batch-update-fields) for the full field reference and validation rules.
* [About batch updating items](about-batch-updating) for an overview of how batch updating works.