Squarespace Product Import via CSV
TL;DR:
- Import up to 10,000 products on Squarespace 7.1 and 200 on version 7.0
- Use CSV files to manage bulk product updates or transfers between sites
- No automatic updates after import – you'll need to re-import manually for changes
- Direct import available from Shopify, Etsy, and BigCartel without CSV files
- Clean your data first – messy files cause import headaches
CSV import works well for moving large inventories to Squarespace, whether you're transferring between sites or uploading from other platforms. The process is straightforward once you understand the format requirements.
Setting Up Your CSV File
Start by identifying what you're trying to do. If you're moving products between Squarespace sites, export the CSV from your original Products panel. For bulk editing current listings, do the same.
For imports from other platforms, Squarespace handles Shopify, Etsy, and BigCartel directly without needing CSV files. For everything else, download the CSV template from your Products panel.
Open your CSV file in Excel or Google Sheets. The structure matters here – stick to the format exactly as Squarespace expects it.
Understanding CSV Fields
Product ID and Variant ID should be cleared if you're copying products between sites. Leave these blank to avoid conflicts.
Product Types and Page must match what's already set up on your receiving site. If you reference a product type that doesn't exist, the import will fail.
URLs and Slugs need consistent formatting. Use lowercase, no spaces, separate words with hyphens. Keep them short and descriptive.
Categories, Prices, Tags, and Visibility all need to match your site's existing setup. Pay particular attention to variant descriptions and categories – these trip up most imports.
The categories and tags in your CSV must match the exact URL slugs on your receiving site. If your site has a category called "Kitchen Tools" with the slug "kitchen-tools", your CSV needs to reference "kitchen-tools", not "Kitchen Tools".
Running the Import
Go to your Products panel and select Import. Upload your CSV file and check the stock level settings if needed.
Squarespace will show you any errors after upload. Fix these before proceeding – it's easier to correct the CSV than to clean up a messy import later.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sample products sometimes get created during testing. Delete these through the product editor before your real import.
Mismatched URL slugs or categories cause most import failures. Double-check your CSV references match your site's setup exactly.
Image display issues usually come from broken URLs. Make sure your image URLs end with proper file formats like .jpg or .png, and that they link directly to the image file, not a webpage.
Keeping Things Updated
CSV imports don't sync automatically. If you need to update prices, descriptions, or stock levels regularly, you'll need to re-import your CSV file each time. This works fine for periodic updates but isn't practical for daily inventory changes.
Consider whether you really need CSV import for ongoing management. For frequent updates, manual editing through the Products panel often works better.
FAQs
Can I import digital products using CSV?
No, CSV import only supports physical and service products. Digital products need to be added manually.
Why do I get 'Product Page Not Found' errors?
Your CSV file references product pages that don't exist on your site. Check that the Product Page URLs in your CSV match your site's actual page URLs.
Some imported images aren't showing. What's wrong?
The image URLs in your CSV are probably incorrect. They need to point directly to image files, not webpages or broken links.
Do I need to clear Product IDs when moving between sites?
Yes, always clear Product ID and Variant ID fields when copying between different Squarespace sites. This prevents conflicts.
Jargon Buster
CSV File – A plain text file that stores data in rows and columns, with commas separating each field. Think of it as a simplified spreadsheet.
URL Slug – The readable part of a web address that comes after your domain name. For example, in "yoursite.com/kitchen-tools", the slug is "kitchen-tools".
SKU – Stock Keeping Unit. A unique code that identifies each specific product or variant you sell.
Wrap-up
CSV import works well for bulk product uploads to Squarespace, but success depends on clean, properly formatted data. Take time to prepare your file correctly and match your site's existing structure. The cleaner your data, the smoother your import will be.
Remember that this is a one-time transfer process, not an ongoing sync. Plan accordingly if you need regular updates.
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