Keep an untouched source
Save the original export and work on a copy. Record the export time and the destination store. Preserve identifiers as text so leading zeros survive spreadsheet editing.
Define the product and variant model
Decide whether a color is a separate product or a variant before transforming rows. A size is often a variant within a color. Keep a shared model identifier when multiple products belong to one design. Check your platform’s import schema for the exact fields.
Reconcile invariants
Compare the source and output SKU sets, number of variants, inventory total, prices, and image links. Any intentional difference belongs in a change log. Blank continuation rows should not silently become variants.
Check edge cases
Flag duplicate SKUs, missing names, negative quantities, invalid prices, and image URLs that are missing. Do not invent absent source values. Keep an exception list for manual review.
Import a small batch first
Test a representative product containing multiple sizes and images. Review it in the storefront and administration view. Keep a rollback export before importing the full catalog.
Put it into practice with our free browser tools.
Open the toolbox →