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      Setting Up CSV File Integration

      Upload CSV files or connect via URL to populate your templates

      CSV integration is perfect for importing static data, one-time uploads, or connecting to systems that generate CSV exports. Your data stays current whether you upload files directly or connect to a live CSV feed.

      Before You Start

      File Requirements

      • CSV format with .csv extension
      • UTF-8 encoding (most common format)
      • Headers in first row with clear, descriptive names
      • Maximum file size: 50MB
      • Maximum rows: 10,000 for optimal performance

      Preparation Checklist

      • Export your data as CSV with headers
      • Remove any empty rows at the top or bottom
      • Ensure all rows have the same number of columns
      • Choose a unique identifier column (ID, email, SKU, etc.)
      • Test that your CSV opens correctly in Excel or Google Sheets

      Estimated setup time: 3-5 minutes

       

      CSV URL Connection

      Requirements for URL Method

      • Publicly accessible URL (no login required)
      • Direct link to CSV file (not a download page)
      • Stable URL that won't change over time

      Step-by-Step URL Setup

      1. Get Your CSV URL
        • Export your data to a publicly accessible location
        • Copy the direct link to the CSV file
        • Test the URL in an incognito browser window
      2. Connect in Marq
        • Navigate to Data Sources as above
        • Choose "CSV File"
        • Select "Connect via URL"
        • Paste your CSV URL
      3. Configure Settings
        • Choose your primary key column
        • Test the connection to ensure data loads correctly
      4. Set Update Frequency
        • Manual: Update only when you click refresh
        • Hourly: Check for changes every hour
        • Daily: Check once per day (recommended for most use cases)

      Common CSV Formatting Issues

      Headers and Column Names

      Good Examples:

      • first_name, last_name, email
      • product_name, price, category
      • property_address, listing_price, bedrooms

      Avoid:

      • Special characters: First Name!, Price ($)
      • Spaces in headers: First Name, Product Category
      • Numbers as headers: 2024 Sales, Q1 Revenue

      Data Formatting

      Dates: Use consistent format like YYYY-MM-DD or MM/DD/YYYY Phone numbers: Stick to one format like (555) 123-4567 Prices: Remove currency symbols, use numbers only: 29.99 not $29.99 Images: Use full URLs starting with https://

      Common Problems to Avoid

      • Empty rows: Remove blank rows between data
      • Merged cells: Keep data in simple table format
      • Multiple headers: Only use headers in the first row
      • Mixed data types: Keep each column to one type of data

      Using Your CSV Data

      Insert Data into Templates

      1. Click on any text box in your template
      2. Select the data icon from the toolbar
      3. Choose your CSV data source
      4. Pick the specific field you want to insert

      Navigate Between Records

      • Use navigation arrows to move between rows
      • Search for specific records using the search box
      • Jump to records by row number

      Bulk Template Generation

      • Generate multiple projects using different rows of data
      • Perfect for creating personalized materials at scale
      • Each template can be customized after generation

      Updating Your CSV Data

      For Uploaded Files

      1. Re-upload method: Upload a new version with the same name
      2. Replace existing: Your templates will automatically use the new data
      3. Backup old version: Save previous versions before updating

      For URL Connections

      • Automatic updates: Based on your chosen frequency setting
      • Manual refresh: Click the refresh button in Data Sources
      • Update notifications: Marq will notify you when new data is detected

      Troubleshooting

      File Won't Upload

      Possible causes:

      • File size over 50MB limit
      • Incorrect file format (not .csv)
      • File is corrupted or contains errors

      Solutions:

      1. Reduce file size: Remove unnecessary columns or split into multiple files
      2. Check format: Ensure file is saved as .csv, not .xlsx or .txt
      3. Test file: Open in Excel/Google Sheets to verify it's readable

      Data Appears Incorrect

      Common issues:

      • Wrong delimiter selected (comma vs semicolon vs tab)
      • Text encoding problems with special characters
      • Headers not properly detected

      Solutions:

      1. Try different delimiter: Test comma, semicolon, and tab options
      2. Change encoding: Try UTF-8, UTF-16, or Windows-1252
      3. Check headers: Ensure first row contains column names

      Some Data Missing

      Causes:

      • Empty cells in critical columns
      • Inconsistent row lengths
      • Primary key has duplicate values

      Solutions:

      1. Fill missing data: Replace empty cells with "N/A" or appropriate defaults
      2. Standardize rows: Ensure all rows have the same number of columns
      3. Fix primary key: Choose a column with truly unique values

      Advanced Tips

      Large File Handling

      • Split large files: Break into multiple CSV files by category or date range
      • Remove unused columns: Only include data you'll actually use in templates
      • Compress data: Remove unnecessary spaces and formatting

      Automation Workflows

      • Schedule exports: Set up your source system to export CSV files automatically
      • Use consistent naming: Keep the same filename for easy URL connections
      • Monitor updates: Set up notifications when your data source changes

      Multiple CSV Sources

      • Combine data: Connect multiple CSV files for different types of information
      • Cross-reference: Use related data across different CSV sources
      • Organize logically: Group related CSV files with clear naming conventions

      Security Considerations

      For URL Connections

      • Ensure URLs don't expose sensitive information
      • Use HTTPS URLs when possible
      • Consider access controls on your hosting platform

      Next Steps

      Need help with CSV formatting? Our support team can help:

      • Live chat: Available 9 AM - 6 PM EST
      • Email: support@marq.com
      • Include: Sample of your CSV file and description of the issue