File Import - Processing

Importing large amounts of data is much faster than manual processing and improves the quality of your data by reducing errors. You can use file import to import data from Comma Separated (CSV) files and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (.xls and .xlsx).

Data that you can import

Importing data in a foreign currency

To import transactions in a foreign currency, you must use the foreign currency value and enter an exchange rate for the transaction. For further information, please refer to Ask Sage article 16905.

You can import the following types of transactions in a foreign currency:

Sales invoice
Sales credit
Purchase invoice
Purchase credit

Import templates

To help you import from an Excel spreadsheet, we've created Excel templates that you can use to enter the data you want to import.

By default these templates are held in the Import Templates folder in the program directory: C:\Program Files\Sage\Accounts You can also download them here

Tip: To check your program directory, in Sage Accounts, open the Help menu then choose About.

The templates include tips to explain what content should be included in each column. Compulsory fields are highlighted in blue and optional fields are highlighted in yellow.

If you are importing using a different spreadsheet, you can still refer to the relevant template to make sure the information is in the correct format.

Available templates:

Audit Trail Transaction FULL template.xls
Customer Record FULL template.xls
Fixed Asset Record FULL template.xls
Nominal Record FULL template.xls
Project Record FULL template.xls
Project Transaction FULL template.xls
Stock Record FULL template.xls
Stock Transactions FULL template.xls
Supplier Record FULL template.xls

To import data

File > Import > Backup > when prompted to check your data > Yes > OK > Close > Close
Take a backup > Next.
From the Data Type list, select the type of data you want to import > Next.
From the Data Source window, select the format of the data you are importing. If your data does not have a row of headings, clear the First row contains headings check box.
Browse > locate and select the file for import > Open > Next.
Complete the Imported Field column as required, choosing the relevant field from the drop-down lists.

Tip: If you need to remove your selections and start again, click Clear Map. Use Save Map to record a map so you can use it again. Use Load map to load a map you have already saved.
Once all of the required fields have been mapped > Next > check the information > Import.
To close the Import Results window and return to your Sage Accounts desktop > Close.

If the import fails, correct the area of the spreadsheet listed in the error message and complete the import process again. If you are unsure why the import has failed, please refer to Ask Sage article 16869.

Tip: If part of the import fails, none of the information imports.