Magento 2 Import: Basic Functionality, Drawbacks & Best Replacement

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding Magento 2 Import
  3. Magento Import Requirements
  4. Drawbacks of Default Magento 2 Import
  5. Improved Import & Export Extension
  6. Final Words
  7. FAQ
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Introduction

Importing data into Magento 2 can be a critical task for managing large volumes of information efficiently. From products to customer data, the Magento 2 import functionality can help keep your e-commerce store's backend synchronized with your business requirements. But, is the default import process sufficient for all your needs? In this post, we'll explore the basic functionalities of Magento 2's import tool, highlight its drawbacks, and introduce a robust alternative that can make your data management tasks more efficient and less time-consuming.

If you're a Magento 2 store owner facing the challenges of data import, read on. This guide will not only cover how to use the default functionality but also why you might want to consider switching to the Improved Import & Export Extension by Firebear Studio. By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of both methods, allowing you to make an informed decision on which is best for your store.

Understanding Magento 2 Import

Magento 2 provides a built-in import feature that allows you to upload and update various types of data, including but not limited to products and customers. This tool can be incredibly useful for:

  • Maintaining an up-to-date product catalog.
  • Migrating data from other platforms.
  • Performing bulk updates to existing information.

Key Types of Magento 2 Import

The default Magento 2 importer supports several types of data transfers:

  • Products: Essential for maintaining your inventory.
  • Customers: Crucial for keeping your customer database current.
  • Product Attributes & Prices: Allows for detailed product configuration.

While these types are fundamental, more complex import requirements may arise, making the basic import tool somewhat limited.

Magento Import Requirements

Before diving into the import process, make sure your data meets Magento 2's criteria, including CSV file format and specific data structuring.

How to Use Default Magento 2 Import: Step-by-Step Guide

Let's walk through the steps to execute a basic data import using Magento 2’s built-in features.

Prepare the Data & Select the Entity

Ensure your data complies with Magento 2's requirements:

  1. Go to the Magento Admin Panel.
  2. Navigate to System > Data Transfer > Import.
  3. Select the entity you wish to import (e.g., Products).

Set the Magento 2 Import Behavior

Define how the system should handle the import:

  1. Select from Add/Update, Replace, or Delete options depending on your needs.

Choose a Validation Strategy

Determine how the system should deal with errors during the data import:

  1. Stop on Error: Halts the process upon encountering an error.
  2. Skip Errors: Continues processing, ignoring invalid data.

Configure Separators

By default, Magento 2 expects a comma as the CSV separator. However, you can specify a different separator if your CSV file uses another delimiter (e.g., semicolon).

Locate the Import File

Upload your CSV file:

  1. Use the file upload option to select and upload your file.
  2. Make sure images and other media files are correctly referenced.

Check the Update

Validate your data before finalizing the import:

  1. Click on Check Data to initiate the validation.
  2. If valid, you'll see a success message prompting you to proceed with the import.

Magento Import History

You can track your import activities via System > Data Transfer > Import History, which logs details like start date, user, and execution time.

Drawbacks of Default Magento 2 Import

While the default importer meets basic requirements, it has notable limitations:

Limited Number of Import Types

The default tool doesn't support all core entities, making tasks like category tree and order imports cumbersome. For example:

  • Category Tree Import: You have to recreate categories manually, which is time-consuming.
  • Order Import: Syncing orders between Magento, POS, and other systems requires manual recreation if you don't have an extended tool.

No Mapping

The built-in tool lacks data mapping capabilities. When errors occur during validation, you must manually edit the CSV file, increasing the risk of mistakes.

Lack of Automation

Scheduled imports are only available in Adobe Commerce, leaving Magento Open Source users to perform manual data transfers.

Improved Import & Export Extension

Enhanced Features

Multiple Entity Support

Supports a wider range of entities for import, including orders, categories, and custom attributes.

Data Mapping

Allows attribute mapping and uses presets for simplifying data migration from different systems.

Automation

Facilitates scheduled data transfers, reducing manual effort and ensuring timely updates.

How to Use

Switching to the Improved Import & Export Extension involves:

  1. Installing the extension.
  2. Configuring import profiles.
  3. Setting up schedules for automated imports.

Final Words

When it comes to choosing the right import method for your Magento 2 store, it largely depends on your specific requirements. While the built-in import functionality serves basic purposes, the Improved Import & Export Extension by Firebear Studio offers advanced features that make it a compelling choice for more complex scenarios.

FAQ

How to import a file in Magento 2?

  1. Navigate to System > Data Transfer > Import.
  2. Select the entity to import.
  3. Set import behavior.
  4. Choose a validation strategy.
  5. Configure separators if necessary.
  6. Upload the CSV file.
  7. Validate and import the data.

How to add custom import in Magento 2?

Custom imports require either a custom module or using a third-party extension like Improved Import & Export to meet specific data transfer needs.

How to import categories in Magento?

Magento allows category creation during product import if no corresponding category exists. For importing a category tree, use the Improved Import & Export extension.

How to import orders in Magento?

Magento 2 lacks built-in order import functionality. Use the Improved Import & Export module for importing order data.

With this detailed overview, you're better equipped to manage your Magento 2 import processes efficiently, whether you stick with the default tool or opt for the more feature-rich Improved Import & Export Extension.