Starting fresh with monday.com? Or maybe you’re moving data from spreadsheets to a more dynamic platform? Good news: monday.com makes it incredibly simple to import your existing data from Excel, Google Sheets, or CSV files.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of importing your data into monday.com so you can hit the ground running.

What Types of Files Can You Import into monday.com?

monday.com allows you to import:

• Excel (.xlsx) files

• Google Sheets (via download or integration)

• CSV (.csv) files

You can import data into a new board or update an existing one, saving you hours of manual work.

How to Prepare Your Spreadsheet Before Importing

Before importing, it’s a good idea to clean up your spreadsheet:

• Use clear headers in the first row (e.g., Task Name, Status, Owner, Due Date).

• Avoid merged cells, which can confuse the import process.

• Format dates properly (YYYY-MM-DD is safest).

• Simplify status fields (e.g., “Done,” “In Progress,” “Not Started”).

Good preparation ensures a smoother and faster import.

Importing Data from Excel or CSV into monday.com

1. Start a New Board from an Import

• Go to your monday.com workspace.

• Click + Add > New Board.

• Choose Import Data.

2. Select Your File Type

• Choose Excel or CSV depending on your file.

• Upload the file from your computer.

3. Map Your Columns

Once your file is uploaded:

• monday.com will prompt you to match spreadsheet columns to monday.com columns.

• For example, map a text column in your file to a Text column, a date field to a Date column, and so on.

• If needed, you can add new columns during this step to match your data.

4. Finish and Review

After mapping:

• Click Import.

• monday.com will create a new board with your data neatly organized.

• Review your board to make sure everything looks right.

Tip: You can always tweak the board afterward by adding columns, rearranging fields, or adjusting item details.

Importing Data from Google Sheets into monday.com

There are two main ways to import Google Sheets data: download and upload or use an integration.

Method 1: Download and Upload

• Open your Google Sheet.

• Go to File > Download > Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) or Comma-Separated Values (.csv).

• Then follow the same steps as importing Excel or CSV files.

Method 2: Use Google Sheets Integration

monday.com offers a direct Google Sheets integration if you want a live connection instead of a one-time import.

• Go to your board.

• Click Integrate at the top.

• Search for Google Sheets.

• Set up the integration to pull in data automatically or update it on a schedule.

This is perfect if your Google Sheets are actively being updated and you want the latest information in monday.com without manual uploads.

Common Import Issues and How to Fix Them

1. Column Mapping Errors

If you skip mapping a column or select the wrong type, your data might not show up properly. Always double-check the mapping step before finalizing the import.

2. Special Characters and Formatting

If your spreadsheet has special characters (like emojis, symbols, or non-standard fonts), they might cause errors. Simplify your text fields before uploading.

3. Large Files

If your file is extremely large, break it into smaller chunks for a faster and more reliable import.

Updating Existing Boards with New Data

If you already have a board and just want to add new items:

• Import your file as a new board first.

• Then move or copy items into your existing board manually.

• Alternatively, you can use automations or integrations for advanced setups.

Currently, monday.com does not support merging data directly into an existing board through import without an integration or manual work.

Best Practices for Importing Data

1. Start Small

Begin with a small sample of your data to test the import process. Once you’re confident everything maps correctly, upload the full file.

2. Clean Up After Import

After importing, take a few minutes to:

• Adjust column settings.

• Set up views (Table, Kanban, Timeline, etc.).

• Create automations to streamline your workflow.

3. Train Your Team

Show your team where the imported data lives and how to interact with it. Good onboarding leads to better adoption.

Final Thoughts

Importing data into monday.com from Excel, Google Sheets, or CSV is a fast, easy way to bring your work into a smarter, more organized environment. Whether you’re starting fresh or migrating ongoing projects, the process is user-friendly and customizable.

With just a few clicks, you can transform your spreadsheets into dynamic boards — ready to power your team’s productivity.