Best Practices for Data Import

Dataloader from MuleSoft accepts many CSV layouts, but small formatting mistakes can make processing a file difficult or impossible. Follow best practices to avoid import errors.

• Use a spreadsheet app such as Microsoft Excel to build the CSV file, then verify with a text editor if needed.
• Validate the structure with a tool such as csvlint.io.
• Save the file as UTF-8.
• Use a single header row with no duplicates or empty header cells.
• Remove empty rows, including hidden empty rows at the end of the sheet (check in a text editor).
• Put column headers in the first row (for example, First Name, Last Name). Use Salesforce field labels as headers when possible. Dataloader from MuleSoft maps them automatically.
• Format date fields by using a supported date format.
• Wrap fields in double quotes (") when needed for delimiters.
• Keep files under 50 MB.

• For files larger than about 200 rows, select Bulk API on the last step of the import wizard for better throughput on large loads.
• If imports fail, review the result files on the task list. They explain row-level errors.
• Schedule large imports during off-hours when possible to avoid resource contention. When many users access Salesforce concurrently with a large data load, processing slows and can hit the two-hour task timeout. Tasks that exceed two hours are automatically terminated.

• Importing Data into Salesforce
• Use Supported Date Formats
• Salesforce Developers: Introduction to Bulk API 2.0 and Bulk API