What is it?

Data Loader is a client application for the bulk import or export of data. Use it to insert, update, delete, or export Salesforce records.

When importing data, Data Loader reads, extracts, and loads data from comma-separated values (CSV) files or from a database connection. When exporting data, it outputs CSV files.

You can use Data Loader in two different ways:

  • User interface — Specify configuration parameters and CSV files used for import and export, and define field mappings that map field names in your import file to field names in Salesforce.
  • Command line (Windows only) — Specify the configuration, data sources, mappings, and actions in files. The command line enables you to set up Data Loader for automated processing.

Data Loader offers the following key features:

  • An easy-to-use wizard interface for interactive use
  • An alternate command-line interface for automated batch operations (Windows only)
  • Support for large files with up to 5 million records with Bulk API and 150 million records with Bulk API 2.0
  • Drag-and-drop field mapping
  • Support for all objects, including custom objects
  • Can be used to process data in both Salesforce and Database.com
  • Detailed success and error log files in CSV format
  • A built-in CSV file viewer
  • Support for Windows and Mac

If the latest version of Data Loader is not compatible with your org's current API version, your installed version of Data Loader automatically attempts to use the previous API version to resolve compatibility with your org. For example, if your org does not support API v56.0, Data Loader v56.0.0 tries making requests with API v55.0.

Supported Windows Versions on Intel x86 - 64 bit (aka x64):

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11

Supported MacOS Versions on x86 and ARM:

  • MacOS 13.x (Ventura)
  • MacOS 14.x (Sonoma)
  • MacOS 15.x (Sequoia)

For more information on Data Loader, see Data Loader User Guide.