CSV Templates
How to download, fill out, and upload Nabu's CSV templates for each setup section.
Always start with the template
Every setup section in Nabu has a downloadable CSV template. Always download and use the template — never upload a file you created from scratch. Nabu expects specific column headers in a specific order. A file built from scratch will almost always fail validation because of header mismatches or missing columns.
To get the template: go to the setup section → click Import → click Download Template.
What the template includes
Each template is pre-formatted with everything Nabu needs:
- Column headers — the exact field names Nabu expects
- Example rows — sample data showing the correct format for each field (delete these before uploading your real data)
- Notes column (in some templates) — plain-English explanation of what each field means and what values are accepted
Open the template in Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers before adding your data.
How to fill in the template
- Download the template for the section you're working on
- Open it in your spreadsheet application
- Delete the example rows (keep the header row — row 1 — exactly as it is)
- Add your data, one row per item
- Save the file as CSV
Saving as CSV:
- Google Sheets: File → Download → Comma Separated Values (.csv)
- Excel: File → Save As → select CSV (Comma delimited) from the format dropdown
- Apple Numbers: File → Export To → CSV
Formatting rules
Getting the format right prevents most upload errors. Follow these rules for every template:
| Field type | Correct format | Incorrect format |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 2024-01-15 | 1/15/24, January 15, 2024 |
| Dollar amounts | 150 or 150.00 | $150, $150.00 |
| Yes/No fields | true or false (check example row) | Yes, Y, 1 |
| Percentages | 0.30 for 30% | 30%, 30 |
| Empty optional fields | Leave blank — keep the column | Do not delete the column |
The most important rule: Do not delete or rename any column in the template, even if you're not using it. Nabu requires every column to be present, even if it's empty. Deleting a column causes a header mismatch error on upload.
How to upload your completed file
- Go to the setup section where the data belongs
- Click Import
- Click Select file and choose your CSV
- Wait for Nabu to run validation — this takes a few seconds
- Review the validation preview (see Validation and Review for details)
- If the data looks correct, click Confirm Import
Your imported records will appear immediately in the section after confirming.
Tips for a smooth import
Do a small test first. If you're importing 100 services, try uploading 5 rows first to confirm everything looks right. Then upload the full file.
Check your example rows. The example rows in the template show exactly what format Nabu expects. If you're not sure whether a field should be true or yes, the example tells you.
Don't copy-paste from formatted documents. If you copy data from a Word document or a PDF, hidden formatting characters can sneak into your cells. It's safer to type directly or paste as plain text.
Check your date formats. The most common reason date fields fail is a format mismatch. Set your spreadsheet app to display dates as YYYY-MM-DD, or manually type dates in that format.