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# How to import contacts

You can import contacts into Collect using CSV files. Whether you're adding contacts globally or for a specific campaign, this guide covers all available options and walks you through each step.

> **Note:** Only **CSV files** can be used to import contacts into Collect.

## Ways to import contacts

You can import contacts using any of the following:

* The **Contacts** menu
* The **Campaign dashboard**
* While **sending a request**

## 1. Importing contacts from the Contacts menu

Use this method to import contacts into your global contact list.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/b/7/9/2/b792c5fa3ea2e00/import-contacts-fields-mapping_we82cy.jpg)

### Steps:
1. In the **left sidebar**, click on **Contacts**.
2. Click the **Import list of contacts** button near the **Contacts** heading.
3. The **Import CSV** dialog box will appear.
4. Drag and drop your CSV file or click **Browse** to upload it.
5. Continue with the **schema mapping** process (explained below).

## 2. Importing contacts from the campaign dashboard

Use this method to import contacts specifically for a campaign.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/b/7/9/2/b792c5fa3ea2e00/import-contacts-from-campaign_1ogdvru.jpg)

### Steps:
1. Open the **campaign dashboard**.
2. Click the **Send to other recipients** button in the top-right corner.
3. From the dropdown, choose **Import list of contacts**.
4. The **Import CSV** dialog box will appear.
5. Upload your file and proceed with **schema mapping**.

## 3. Importing contacts while sending a request

This is helpful when you’re creating a request and need to add multiple recipients at once.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/b/7/9/2/b792c5fa3ea2e00/import-contacts-new-request_1dnq8tz.jpg)

### Steps:
1. While creating a new request, go to the **Recipients** block.
2. Click the **Add a contact** button at the top-left of the block.
3. Choose **Import list of contacts** from the dropdown.
4. Upload your CSV file using the **Import CSV** dialog.
5. Complete the **schema mapping** steps.

## Schema mapping explained

After uploading your CSV file, you’ll be guided to map your CSV columns to Collect’s contact fields.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/b/7/9/2/b792c5fa3ea2e00/import-contacts-fields-mapping_1enh766.jpg)

### What you can do:
* **Match columns** from your CSV to contact fields using dropdown menus.
* **Preview sample data** on the left side to confirm alignment.
* Use **Static values** for fields that should be the same for every contact.
* **Add custom columns** if needed.
* Add **contact tags** by typing new ones or selecting from existing options. [Learn more about contact tags →](https://help.usecollect.com/en/article/what-are-contact-tags-and-how-to-add-a-tag-to-a-contact-16eswyt/)

### Additional options:
* **Skip first row**: Use this if your CSV has headers.
* **Update contacts that already exist**: Enable this to update duplicates based on a unique identifier like email address.

## Finalizing your import
1. Click **Continue** after schema mapping.
2. Review the list of detected contacts.
* Duplicate entries will only be included if you enabled the update option.
* Contacts marked for update will display an **Update** icon.
        
3. Use the checkboxes to select which contacts to import.
4. Click **Add # contacts** to complete the import.

## Need help?
If you have questions about formatting your CSV file or encounter any issues, feel free to reach out to our support team or check out related help center articles.