Upload from Computer

Upload CSV, XML, or XLSX files directly from your computer for import

Overview

Uploading from your computer is the most common way to import data into PrimeLink. Simply select a file from your local drive and upload it directly through the import wizard.

This method is perfect for one-time imports, testing configurations, or when you have files stored locally on your computer.

Supported File Formats

PrimeLink supports the following file formats for upload:

  • CSV (Comma Separated Values) - .csv
  • XML (Extensible Markup Language) - .xml
  • XLSX (Excel Spreadsheet) - .xlsx
  • XLS (Legacy Excel format) - .xls

File Size Limits

File upload size is limited by your server configuration:

  • PHP upload_max_filesize setting
  • PHP post_max_size setting
  • WordPress maximum upload size

For very large files, consider using FTP/SFTP or cloud storage instead.

How to Upload

Step 1: Select Upload Option

In Step 2 of the import wizard:

  1. Find the Upload from Desktop option
  2. Click to select it (it's usually selected by default)

Step 2: Upload Your File

You can upload files in two ways:

Method 1: Drag and Drop

  1. Open the folder containing your file
  2. Drag the file into the upload area
  3. Release to start the upload

Method 2: Browse and Select

  1. Click the Browse or Choose File button
  2. Navigate to your file in the file browser
  3. Select the file and click Open
  4. The file will begin uploading automatically

Step 3: Wait for Upload

After selecting your file:

  • The file will begin uploading to your server
  • You'll see upload progress (percentage or progress bar)
  • Wait for upload to complete
  • Once uploaded, PrimeLink will automatically parse the file

Step 4: File Processing

After upload completes:

  1. PrimeLink will automatically detect the file format
  2. The file structure will be parsed
  3. Columns/fields will be detected
  4. A preview of the data will be shown
  5. Click Next to proceed to Step 3

File Requirements

CSV Files

  • First row should contain column headers
  • Use consistent delimiter (comma, semicolon, or tab)
  • Use UTF-8 encoding for international characters
  • Ensure proper escaping of special characters

XML Files

  • Must be well-formed XML (valid syntax)
  • Should have a clear structure with repeating elements
  • Use XPath in Step 4 to target specific nodes if needed

XLSX/XLS Files

  • First row should contain column headers
  • Data should start from the first sheet
  • Avoid merged cells in header row
  • Ensure data is properly formatted

Best Practices

  • Prepare your file: Ensure data is clean and properly formatted before upload
  • Check file size: For large files (>50MB), consider using FTP or cloud storage
  • Use UTF-8 encoding: Prevents character encoding issues
  • Include headers: Always include column headers in the first row
  • Test with sample: Test your import with a small sample file first
  • Validate data: Check for empty rows, missing required fields, and data consistency
  • Backup first: Always backup your store before importing

Troubleshooting

Upload Fails

  • Check file size doesn't exceed server limits
  • Verify file format is supported (CSV, XML, XLSX, XLS)
  • Check server PHP upload settings
  • Ensure sufficient disk space on server
  • Try a smaller file to test

File Not Parsed Correctly

  • Verify file format matches the extension
  • Check for encoding issues (use UTF-8)
  • Ensure CSV delimiter is consistent
  • Check XML is well-formed
  • Verify Excel file isn't corrupted

Slow Upload

  • Large files take longer to upload
  • Check your internet connection speed
  • Consider using FTP/SFTP for large files
  • Compress files if possible (ZIP not supported, but smaller files upload faster)

Next Steps

📁 Use Existing File

Use files already on your server

Learn More →
🌐 Import from URL

Import directly from a remote URL

Learn More →
🗺️ Field Mapping

Learn how to map your uploaded data

Learn More →