Data Loader Guide

Data Loader
When to Use Data Loader
Considerations for Installing Data Loader
Configure Data Loader
Data Loader Behavior with Bulk API Enabled
Configure the Data Loader to Use the Bulk API
Using Data Loader
Running in Batch Mode (Windows Only)
Command-Line Quick Start (Windows Only)
Data Loader Third-Party Licenses
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Configure the Data Loader to Use the Bulk API

Available in: Salesforce Classic and Lightning Experience
Available in: Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, Developer, and Database.com Editions

The Bulk API is optimized to load or delete a large number of records asynchronously. It is faster than the SOAP-based API due to parallel processing and fewer network round-trips. By default, Data Loader uses the SOAP-based API to process records.

To configure Data Loader to use the Bulk API for inserting, updating, upserting, deleting, and hard deleting records:

  1. Open the Data Loader.
  2. Choose Settings | Settings.
  3. Select the Use Bulk API option.
  4. Click OK.
  • You can also select the Enable serial mode for Bulk API option. Processing in parallel can cause database contention. When this is severe, the load may fail. Using serial mode guarantees that batches are processed one at a time. Note that using this option may significantly increase the processing time for a load.
  • Caution: You can hard delete records when you configure Data Loader to Use Bulk API. Keep in mind that hard deleted records are immediately deleted and can’t be recovered from the Recycle Bin.

Note