If you have data that needs updating but don't want to make changes to individual profiles or use a bulk action, follow these steps to export your data from Planning Center, update it, and reimport it. Profiles will be updated with information listed in the reimported CSV file.
Export the data from your Planning Center database or list for the freshest information, and then download the CSV file.
Once you open the file, delete all the columns you're not updating.
Danger
Always keep the four main name fields, First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, and Name Suffix, as well as the column names, to match them when you import. If you do not use Middle Name and Name Suffix, you will get new duplicates for those existing profiles rather than them being automatically updated.
Update the values in the CSV to reflect the fields in Planning Center.
Tip
The Find & Replace feature in most spreadsheet programs helps update multiple pieces of information simultaneously!
If you're not sure what you have created for those fields, check your custom fields page.
When updating custom fields with an import, the reimported CSV removes current selections.
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Fields that only hold one data point, such as dropdown, text, or date fields, will be updated with the information in the CSV.
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If you import multiple items into a checkbox field, separate the responses by a "|" character. All items must be included in the reimported CSV.
Once your data is updated in the file, save it as a Comma Separated Values (.csv) file. Then, import it back in with the new information! From the Data Import & Export page, select Start Import and choose the file you just saved.
Caution
Any applicable information that may have changed between exporting and importing will be overwritten by the values in the CSV you upload.
You'll be prompted to match the CSV column name with the Planning Center field.
Once they're matched, preview the profiles and households to be created or updated, as well as any flagged errors.
Uncheck the box next to a person's name to prevent the changes from being imported for that profile, and scroll to the bottom to Finish Import.
Notice
The Identical tab shows you which profiles won't have any changes made to them.
You'll receive an email when the import has finished, and you can view any changes made to the profiles.
Danger
If you need to undo the import, make sure you have not merged any profiles from the imported file. Undoing the import completely deletes the merged person from your database, removing any scheduled positions, registered events, donations, etc.