Your CSV file should be formatted as a table and must include a header, or first line, that defines the fields in your table. Gmail accepts many common header fields (name, email address, etc.). If you're updating an existing file, you probably won't need to change your header field names; if you're creating a new file and need some guidance, you can use any of the field names used in the examples below.
Here are some additional
things to keep in mind as you create your file:
- The file must include a field for the email address.
- The Name field can be a single column, like this:
If you'd rather, you can also use separate fields for the first, middle, and last names, like this:header > name contact info. > Jane Doe header > first name middle name last name contact info. > Jane Doe - Fields can be listed in any order.
Here's an example of a sample file that can be created using Microsoft Excel:
| header > | First Name | Last Name | Email Address | Street Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| contact info. > | Jane | Doe | jane@gmail.com | 623 East 68th Street, Apt. 3-B, New York, NY | (212) 555-9975 |
By saving this table as a .csv file, and importing it in to Gmail, one entry – for Jane Doe – is added to your Contacts list.
Once you've entered all of your contacts into a table, save the document and select CSV (Comma delimited) (*.csv) as the type of file you'd like to save. If prompted to verify your selection, click Yes or OK.
For still more information about CSV files, open Help in Excel.
Once you've saved the file, you're ready to import your CSV file to Gmail.