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Import Shopware products: file, mapping, preview and the way back

Import Shopware products even if the file does not come from Shopware: the PIM import reads CSV, TSV, XML, DATANORM and Excel, loads files from a URL if you want, maps foreign column names, shows before the start what will happen and undoes the last import if needed.

Key facts
  • Formats: CSV, TSV, XML, DATANORM and Excel (.xlsx, .xls), via upload or, for CSV, XML and DATANORM, from a URL.
  • Mapping of columns automatically based on the header row, every column can be changed or skipped.
  • Validation counts new, updated and skipped rows including warnings and errors.
  • Strict mode, change log and "Undo last import" as a safety net.

Importing products in standard Shopware

The import in standard Shopware expects a file whose structure matches an import profile. In practice, however, data comes from many directions: an Excel list from the supplier with its own column names, a price file with a comma as decimal separator, a catalogue in DATANORM format, images as links. Before such a file reaches Shopware it is usually rebuilt by hand. And if the import then overwrites values that should not have changed, a quick way back is missing.

Import Shopware products with the PIM

Choose a file or load it from a URL

In the CSV window of the PIM product list you choose the file: CSV, TSV, XML, DATANORM or Excel. For Excel the PIM reads the first worksheet; for this the browser loads a reading library from the internet once. Alternatively you fetch CSV, XML and DATANORM files directly from an address via "Import from URL". A saved import profile brings mapping, delimiter and modes along.

Mode and matching

  • Import mode: update + new, update only or create new only. For new products the file needs a name column.
  • Product mapping via product number (default), EAN/GTIN, manufacturer number or product ID.
  • Variants are assigned to their parent via the parentProductNumber column, without knowing IDs.
  • Image mode: add images from cover URL and image columns or replace all existing ones.

Map columns with preview

The PIM recognises columns from the header row, including German and English spellings such as ek_netto or cost_net. If a column does not fit, you choose the Shopware field from a list or set the column to "Skip". Next to each column there is a sample value from the file. Numbers with comma or point, yes/no values such as ja, aktiv or 1 and dates in German or ISO format are recognised.

What the import creates

Missing manufacturers, tags, tax rates, delivery times and property options are created automatically by the import. Categories and product units, by contrast, must already exist; entries not found end up in the error list. You may give units as plain names such as "litre".

Validate, import, check

Before the start, validation shows how many rows will be created, updated or skipped and lists warnings such as duplicate product numbers. The import runs in the phases preparation, saving products, uploading images and writing translations. With strict mode, all changes already imported are reset if errors occur. The error list can be searched, copied and downloaded as CSV. In the config matrix you define whether the import aborts after 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 errors.

Change log and undo

The "Change log" tab in the CSV window lists every import with time, file name, number of new and updated products, errors and affected fields. "Undo last import" resets the most recently imported changes to the previous values. In addition, every import creates a snapshot, which can be switched off.

Step by step: bring in a supplier Excel list

  1. Load the file: open the CSV window in the product list, switch to import and choose the Excel file.
  2. Choose the mode: "Update only" for price and stock updates, matching via EAN or manufacturer number.
  3. Map columns: check the detected fields, map foreign column names and skip everything that should not go into the system.
  4. Save a profile: store mapping and settings as an import profile for the next delivery.
  5. Validate: start validation and check warnings and the number of skipped rows.
  6. Import: start the import, with strict mode for critical files, and check the change log.
Video: the PIM for Shopware overview video shows the product list with its CSV window in the context of the whole plugin.

Use cases

  • Range extension: "Create new only" with a name column, so that existing products are guaranteed to remain untouched.
  • Images from the supplier: image URLs pipe-separated in one column, image mode "Add".
  • Multilingual data: translations in trans_ columns, details in the guide Shopware CSV import with translations.
  • Wholesale catalogue: read DATANORM 4.0 or 5.0, see DATANORM import for Shopware 6.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import Excel files directly?

Yes, .xlsx and .xls. The PIM reads the first worksheet. For this the browser loads a reading library from the internet, so a connection is required.

How are products matched during import?

Via product number, EAN/GTIN, manufacturer number or product ID. Variants are assigned to their parent via the parentProductNumber column.

Does the import create missing categories?

No. Categories and product units must exist. Missing manufacturers, tags, tax rates, delivery times and property options, on the other hand, are created automatically.

Can I undo an import?

Yes. "Undo last import" in the "Change log" tab resets the most recently imported changes. In addition, a snapshot is created per import.

Who may import?

Super admins always, all other users as long as the "CSV import" feature switch is on. There is no separate Shopware privilege for importing.

Read more

Try PIM for Shopware

All licence models and terms are listed on the pricing page. Want to know up front whether the PIM fits your shop and your processes? Get in touch via the contact form - we answer personally.

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