Google Contacts CSV format import fields guide

TheONbutton works extensively with Google Apps for our business and individual clients. One of the great features of Google Apps is the ability to import contacts in bulk using a CSV comma delimited file. This type of file can be created by using Microsoft Excel to structure and format the table as needed and then saving the file in CSV comma delimited format.

One piece of the puzzle which can be a little unclear is the field structure. So here is an example field structure that we use which covers most bases. I've set out the field names first followed by an example below with sample data.

I hope this helps, if you find it useful please let us know in the comments!

Google Contacts CSV example fields

• Given Name
• Family Name
• Name Prefix
• Phone 1 - Type
• Phone 1 - Value
• Phone 2 - Type
• Phone 2 - Value
• Phone 3 - Type
• Phone 3 - Value
• E-mail 1 - Type
• E-mail 1 - Value
• Address 1 - Type
• Address 1 - Street
• Address 1 - City
• Address 1 - Region
• Address 1 - Postal Code
• Notes
• Group Membership

Google Contacts import fields with sample data

• Given Name Neil
• Family Name Berman
• Name Prefix Mr
• Phone 1 - Type Work
• Phone 1 - Value 555-555-5555
• Phone 2 - Type Mobile
• Phone 2 - Value 555-555-5555
• Phone 3 - Type Home
• Phone 3 - Value 555-555-5555
• E-mail 1 - Type * Work
• E-mail 1 - Value Work email address
• Address 1 - Type Home
• Address 1 - Street 1001 TheONbutton St
• Address 1 - City TheONbutton City
• Address 1 - Region NC
• Address 1 - Postal Code 99999
• Notes Neil is into technology
• Group Membership * My Contacts ::: Name Of Contacts Group

Happy importing!

Neil Berman, Helper-in-Chief, TheONbutton 

Comments

[Jay]

This doesn't work! Not your fault. Google doesn't import correctly.

[Felicia]

Hi
I tried this as well as the option to follow another path - export, check fields, arrange and validate data, then import. Unfortunately it still did not work. Google only creates the contact name with all the fields inserted into notes.
I am not sure how to possibly correct this!
thanks
Felicia

[TheONbutton]

Hello Jay & Felicia,

Thanks for your responses. Can you list the field names that you have used in your CSV files to do the import please?

I can also email you a template that I've used successfully if that would be helpful, as I've always experienced successful uploads as long as the fields and values are correctly populated.

Best regards,

Neil Berman

[Big Jack]

Thanks! That was wonderful! i've searched those fields for a week!
In google there's not a line on this technical aspect.
Thank a lot!

[Steve Guzman]

The format has changed once again. The syntax is this now:

Name Given Name Additional Name Family Name Yomi Name Given Name Yomi Additional Name Yomi Family Name Yomi Name Prefix Name Suffix Initials Nickname Short Name Maiden Name Birthday Gender Location Billing Information Directory Server Mileage Occupation Hobby Sensitivity Priority Subject Notes Group Membership Custom Field 1 - Type Custom Field 1 - Value Custom Field 2 - Type Custom Field 2 - Value Custom Field 3 - Type Custom Field 3 - Value Custom Field 4 - Type Custom Field 4 - Value

Peace,
Steve