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# Import and update assets using excel 

## Overview: importing assets from Excel

The Excel asset import in the Asset module lets you create many assets at once by uploading a spreadsheet and mapping its columns to CxPlanner asset fields, which is used when populating a new asset-based project or loading an equipment list handed over by a contractor.

To update assets that already exist, or to import from CSV, see [Import and update assets from CSV](https://help.cxplanner.com/en-us/article/import-and-update-assets-from-csv-1qcz4yk/) and [Import and update assets with Excel (advanced)](https://help.cxplanner.com/en-us/article/import-update-assets-using-excel-advanced-b039qt/). For the full list of fields you can map to, see [Asset fields reference - standard attributes in the Asset module](https://help.cxplanner.com/en-us/article/asset-fields-reference-standard-attributes-in-the-asset-module-742gn7/).

* Your role must be **Manager** or higher.
* You can find the menu at Asset module - Asset Overview - **Options** - **Import Assets**.
* This changes assets in the project, asset types available to the project, and any fields you map during import.

|| Only users with the project role **Manager** or higher can import assets.

This is also the method to use for a bulk import, a mass upload of equipment, or loading an existing asset list or equipment schedule from a spreadsheet (.xlsx) into CxPlanner.

## What CxPlanner does during an Excel asset import

* Reads the first row of your file as column headers
* Attempts to map each column automatically to a matching CxPlanner asset field
* Shows a quality control preview so you can check values before anything is written
* Detects asset types in your file that do not yet exist in the project and offers to create them
* Writes all mapped fields onto the new assets in a single operation

## Requirements for the Excel import file

| Requirement | Description |
| ---- |
| File type | Excel (.xlsx) or CSV |
| First row | Must contain column headers |
| Structure | Must match, or be mappable to, CxPlanner asset fields |
| Project role | Manager or higher |

Columns whose names match a CxPlanner asset field are mapped automatically. Columns whose names differ can be mapped by hand during the import. A column left unmapped is not imported, and a missing mapping on a required field can cause the import to fail or complete with gaps.

## How to import assets from Excel

### Start the import
1. Go to **Project Dashboard**.
2. Navigate to **Asset Overview**.
3. Click **Options**.
4. Select **Import Assets**.

### Upload your file
1. Click **Choose File**.
2. Upload your Excel (.xlsx) or CSV file.

### Map columns to CxPlanner asset fields
1. Review the automatic mapping.
2. Check that every column you need is matched to the correct field.
3. Adjust any mapping by hand where the names differ. For example, a column called `ModelType` maps to the **Model** field, and a column called `MyName` maps to the **Name** field.
4. Click **OK** when the mapping is complete.

### Review the data before importing
1. Review the quality control overview.
2. Check the values and the column accuracy.
3. Make any adjustments needed.
4. Click **Add All** to proceed.

### Confirm any new asset types
1. If CxPlanner detects asset types that do not exist yet, for example Generator or CRAC, it will prompt you.
2. Click **Yes** to confirm creation.
3. Optionally add further details to the new types.
4. Continue the import.

### Video guide: importing assets from Excel

${frame}[Import assets from Excel](https://www.loom.com/embed/b1226b842bee4d9f9d6525bdef708496)

## Results: importing assets from Excel

* Assets appear in **Asset Overview**
* All mapped fields are populated automatically
* Newly created asset types become available for the rest of the project
* Unmapped columns are ignored and their data is not stored

| Situation | Result |
| ---- |
| Column names match a CxPlanner field | Mapped automatically |
| Column names differ | Manual mapping required |
| Column left unmapped | Data in that column is not imported |
| Asset type not yet in the project | You are prompted to create it |

## Troubleshooting: importing assets from Excel

| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| ---- |
| Columns not mapping correctly | Column names do not match CxPlanner field names | Map the fields manually in the mapping step |
| Import fails immediately | Missing or incorrect header row | Make sure the first row of the spreadsheet contains column headers |
| Data appears incorrect after import | Invalid or inconsistent values in the file | Review the data in the quality control preview before clicking Add All |
| Some assets missing an asset type | New types were not approved during import | Re-run the import and click Yes when prompted to create the new types |
| A column of data did not import | The column was left unmapped | Re-run the import and map that column, or add the values with a bulk update |
| Cannot see the Import Assets option | Project role is below Manager | Ask a project Admin to raise your role |