WooCommerce built-in product CSV importer and image specification

  • Resolved scottcwilson

    (@scottcwilson)


    1 month, 3 weeks ago

    I’m using the built-in importer with a CSV file I’m creating, and everything is working except for setting the image.

    Unfortunately some of my image filenames have embedded spaces, but even when I eliminated that, I can’t seem to get it to work. I am specifying (for example)

    KS_baby_wipes__900ct.jpg

    in the “Images” field as shown in https://github.com/woocommerce/woocommerce/wiki/Product-CSV-Import-Schema#csv-columns-and-formatting

    and I have put this image into wp-content/uploads, but it still shows the placeholder image.

    What am I doing wrong? (Also, is it possible to use the original filename, with embedded spaces – “KS baby wipes 900ct.jpg”?)

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
  • Plugin Support Zubair Zahid (woo-hc)

    (@doublezed2)

    Hello scottcwilson,

    Thank you for contacting WooCommerce support.

    Are you uploading the images via the Media Library?
    If not, please upload them there and then try the import again. This can help ensure that the images are properly recognized by WooCommerce after the import.

    Regarding the original filename with embedded spaces, it’s generally best to avoid spaces in filenames for consistency and compatibility. Using underscores or hyphens instead is recommended.

    If you continue to experience issues, let me know.
    I am here to help. ??

    Best regards.

    Thread Starter scottcwilson

    (@scottcwilson)

    I’m not updating via Media Library; I have a large number of images (one for each product being imported via CSV). Does setting the image in the CSV product import not work?

    Thread Starter scottcwilson

    (@scottcwilson)

    Do I have to put them in the Media Library before I reference them? Is that the issue I am having – it’s not sufficient to simply drop a file in wp-content/uploads/ ?

    Plugin Support Shameem R. a11n

    (@shameemreza)

    Hi @scottcwilson

    Indeed, the images must be uploaded to the Media Library before they can be referenced in the CSV file for product import. Simply dropping the file in the wp-content/uploads/ directory isn’t sufficient. WooCommerce needs to create various sizes of images for different areas of your store, which happens during the upload process to the Media Library.

    I understand you have a large number of images, but this step is crucial for WooCommerce to display them correctly. You can bulk upload images to the Media Library, which should speed up the process.

    WooCommerce should technically be able to handle filenames with spaces, but as mentioned, it’s generally recommended to avoid spaces for compatibility reasons. Using underscores or hyphens is a best practice.

    Additional tips:

    • Make sure your server has enough memory and execution time for large imports.
    • Consider splitting very large imports into smaller batches.
    • Always backup your database before large imports.

    Please try uploading your images to the Media Library and then import your products again. Let us know how that goes. Looking forward to helping you.

    Thread Starter scottcwilson

    (@scottcwilson)

    Thanks for your guidance, @shameemreza. I now see your point that it’s a multi-step process.

    This was what tripped me up. I have done my first import successfully.

    • This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by scottcwilson.
    Plugin Support Rajesh K. (woo-hc)

    (@rajeshml)

    Hello @scottcwilson,

    Thank you for confirming the resolution and sharing your success.

    If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

    Cheers!

Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)
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