What this page is for
Use this page to bring records into CityLights from a spreadsheet, for example when you move from another system or from Excel. Nothing is saved until you have matched the columns and checked a preview.
Who can use it
- Import data from spreadsheets is needed (by default Admin). The account owner can always use it.
- Only the kinds of records whose modules are on can be imported (for example bookings need Bookings).
How to import a file
- Optionally download a Template and fill it in. Your own file works too.
- Under Upload a file, choose What are you importing? and the file.
- Select Upload and match columns. You continue on the import's own page.
How to see an earlier import
Select its file name under Recent imports.
Fields and columns
| Field or column | Meaning |
|---|---|
| What are you importing? | The kind of record each row becomes: properties, bookings, and others as modules add them. |
| CSV or Excel file | A .csv or .xlsx file up to 10 MB. The first row must hold the column names. Only the first sheet is read. |
| Templates | A CSV with the expected column names and one example row. |
| Recent imports: File, Type, Status, Rows, By | The last 20 imports, who started them and when. |
Statuses and automation
- Matching columns: uploaded, waiting for you to match columns.
- Checked, not imported: the preview is ready. Nothing has been saved.
- Importing: rows are being saved in short steps. Keep the page open.
- Imported: finished. The most recent import can be undone.
- Undone: everything it created was removed (properties that are now in use are kept).
- Uploaded files are kept privately for 30 days, then deleted.
Settings that change this page
- Platform and other list names that imports match against are in Master data.
FAQs
Which date formats work? 2026-07-31, your organisation's date format, or real Excel dates.
Can I import the same file twice? Yes. Rows already in the system are recognised and skipped.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| "The first row must hold the column names." | Add a header row, or remove empty rows above it. |
| "This type of file is not allowed." | Save the spreadsheet as .xlsx or .csv. |
| A kind of record is missing from the list | Switch its module on under Modules. |