Documentation
Match columns
Map your file headers to Import Ready fields and resolve mapping errors before validation.
The Match columns screen connects your spreadsheet headers to the fields Import Ready expects. Correct mapping is essential — if a required field is not mapped, validation cannot run properly.
How column matching works
You will see a list of columns detected in your uploaded file. For each column, use the dropdown to choose the corresponding Import Ready field.
Example mappings:
| Your file header | Import Ready field |
|---|---|
Variant SKU | SKU |
Product Title | Name |
On Hand | Quantity |
Vendor | Brand |
Do not import
If a column in your file is not needed, select Do not import. This tells Import Ready to ignore that column during validation and preview.
Use this for:
- Internal reference columns
- Notes or comments not used in the import
- Duplicate information already captured elsewhere
Required fields
Each import type has required fields. If a required field is not mapped to any column, an error appears at the top of the page and Continue stays disabled until you fix it.
Common required fields for product imports include SKU and Name. Requirements vary by import type.
Mapping errors and warnings
Errors (red alerts) block you from continuing:
- A required field has no column assigned
- The same Import Ready field is mapped to more than one column
Warnings (informational alerts) suggest improvements but may not block progress:
- A column looks like it might map to a specific field but was left unmapped
- Optional fields that could improve data quality are missing
Resolve all errors before clicking Continue.
Progress indicators
The page shows how many columns you have mapped versus the total detected. Aim to map every column you need; mark the rest as Do not import.
Confirm and continue
- Click Continue when all errors are resolved.
- Review the confirmation summary showing your final mappings.
- Confirm to start validation.
After confirmation, Import Ready validates every row. When validation completes, the import appears on your Imports list with error and warning counts, ready for Review data.
Cancel or go back
- Cancel — abandon column matching and return to imports (your upload may be discarded depending on progress).
- Back — return to the previous step without losing your file.
Tip: If validation shows unexpected empty columns in preview, return to Match columns and verify you did not accidentally mark a needed column as Do not import.