Import data records into your collection from a comma-separated-values (CSV) file
You can bulk load data into your collection from an external text data file that is in comma-separated-values (CSV) format. Most spreadsheet and database programs include an option to write out data in CSV format, so the import-from-CSV capability provides a straightforward way of moving data from a spreadsheet or a database table into a Recollector collection.
There is one primary requirement for doing a CSV data-file import:
The first row of the CSV file must have field names which match the names of fields in your collection.
Note: Despite the name comma-separated, CSV files can use characters other than commas to separate field values. Recollector supports CSV files that use either commas or tab characters as the field separator.
General information about the CSV format is readily available on the internet (for example: see the Wikipedia page on Comma-separated values).
To begin the import, make sure that the List tab is selected (importing data is not supported in the Image Gallery tab or the Item Details tab). Select File > Import Records from CSV file from Recollector's menu. A file dialog will ask you to select the CSV file. This file must have a ".csv" filename extension.
Recollector will also ask whether the CSV file was created on an MS/Windows computer, rather than on a Macintosh. This is because MS/Windows and Macintosh operating systems handle special characters (for example, accented letters) differently. You can ask Recollector to convert a Windows-created CSV file, so that the special characters are automatically converted to the appropriate Macintosh equivalents. DO NOT request conversion from Windows format if the CSV file was created on a Mac, since that will often produce an error in processing the file.
Recollector analyzes the CSV file, and compares it to your collection. The program then displays a report which identifies a number of possible inconsistencies. Buttons on the window let you copy the report to the clipboard or send it to your printer. Examine the report carefully, and decide whether you want to proceed with the import.
| The inconsistencies that Recollector looks for ... |
| Dealing with duplicate ID # values ... |
Related topics:
Create a collection from a comma-separated values (CSV) data file.
Import data from an Excel spreadsheet.