✅ Step 1: Ensure Your Custom Table Exists
Before beginning an import, verify that your custom table has already been created in the system. This table should be fully configured with the desired columns (custom fields) selected, as the import process relies on those field definitions to match incoming data.
If you're not sure how to create a custom table, refer to the [Creating Custom Tables] article or contact your system administrator.
🗝️ Step 2: Gather Custom Field Keys
Each custom field in your table is associated with a unique field key. These keys are required for the import process.
To obtain your field keys:
Navigate to Custom Fields, within Settings.
Identify and note each field’s unique Field Key.
Its important to note that the custom field name and custom field key will not always match, this is due to the custom field name being editable and the key is created based on the first iteration of the field.
⚠️ Do not use field display names—only the field keys will be recognized during import.
📄 Step 3: Export the Blank Import Template
To ensure correct formatting, it's best to export a blank import template for your custom table:
Go to Data Manager within settings.
Navigate to Custom Table entity.
Click Blank under "Template" to download a pre-structured file that matches your table schema.
This template is especially useful for ensuring required columns and formatting are correct from the start.
📊 Step 4: Structure the Import File
This step is crucial.
When structuring your import file, each custom field must have its own row. That is:
You will not use a single row per record (like a typical spreadsheet).
Instead, each field-value is entered as a separate row.
Example:
If your custom table has the following fields / field keys:
custom_field_1/ Usernamecustom_field_2/ Passwordcustom_field_3/ Website URLcustom_field_4/ Notes
Then to import one record, your file should contain 4 rows, each representing one field’s value for that record.
Here's an example in Excel:
Table Name: This is used to associate the data to the custom table on The Layer
Custom Field Key: 1 row per custom field key per customer
Value: The value to enter within that custom field, ensuring that it matches the custom field type
Customer: The customer record the custom table data should be added to, this will be the same for each of the custom field key rows.
Row ID: The row which you wish to add the table data to starting at 1
If adding 2 sets of data to 1 customer, the first set should be grouped in row 1 and the second set grouped in row 2
🧩 Step 5: Importing Using Data Manager
Once your import file is ready and structured correctly, you can proceed to import it.
To find out how to import the data, check out of guide on data manager here
❓Need Help?
If you're unsure about field keys, table configuration, or experience import errors, reach out to your support team