Create or edit a CSV file

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Spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel make it easy to create and edit CSV files.

Your CSV file should be formatted as a table and must include a header, or first line, that defines the fields in your table. Gmail accepts many common header fields (name, email address, birthday, etc.). If you're updating an existing file, you probably won't need to change your header field names; if you're creating a new file and need some guidance, you can use any of the field names used in the examples below.

image:Header_extended_example.gif

Here are some additional things to keep in mind as you create your file:

  • The file must include a field for the email address.
  • The Name field can be a single column, like this:
header >
contact info. >
name
Jane Doe

If you'd rather, you can also use separate fields for the first, middle, and last names, like this:

header >
contact info. >
first name middle name last name
Jane   Doe
  • Fields can be listed in any order

Here's an example of a sample file that can be created using Microsoft Excel:

header >
contact info. >
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address
Phone
Jane
Doe
jane@gmail.com
623 East 68th Street, Apt. 3-B, New York, NY
(212) 555-9975

By saving this table as a .csv file, and importing it in to Gmail, one entry – for Jane Doe – is added to your Contacts list.

Once you've entered all of your contacts into a table, save the document and select CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) as the type of file you'd like to save. If prompted to verify your selection, click Yes or OK.

For still more information about CSV files, open Help in Excel.

Once you've saved the file, you're ready to import your CSV file to Gmail.


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