Import and Export WooCommerce Products with a CSV File

Export products

With the built-in exporter

1. In the dashboard, go to Products, then click Export at the top.

   

2. Choose which columns to export, and which product types and categories. You can also choose to export custom meta data.
3. Click Generate CSV and save the file.

   

   

With plugins

An export plugin can:

• Export only products that match a rule.
• Change and format data while it exports.
• Run exports on a schedule, for backups or to connect with other systems.

Import products

With the built-in importer

1. Go to Products, then click Import at the top.

   

2. Choose your CSV file. It must be UTF-8 encoded, with commas as separators.

   

3. Tick Update existing products if you want to change products that already exist. WooCommerce matches them by ID or SKU.
4. Click Continue. WooCommerce tries to match the columns of the file to product fields. Check the matches and fix them if needed.
5. Click Run the importer and wait until it finishes.

   

With plugins

An import plugin can:

• Map complex fields, such as variations and custom fields.
• Update products on a schedule from a file or a URL.
• Show and help fix errors during the import.

Tips

• Always back up your store before a big import.
• Test with a small file of 5-10 products first.
• Use a unique SKU for every product.
• For images, put full URLs in the Images column. They must be reachable by the website.
• If the import times out, split the file in smaller parts.
• Open the CSV in a tool that keeps UTF-8 (such as LibreOffice or Google Sheets). Excel may change the encoding.

Quick recap

• Products, then Export or Import is built in.
• Use SKU to update existing products.
• Test with a small file and keep a backup.