Importing data into Salesforce doesn’t have to be difficult.
The Data Import Wizard offers an easy, guided way to get the job done. Right inside Salesforce.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What the Data Import Wizard does and its limitations
- How to use it step by step
- How to verify and troubleshoot your import results
What Is the Salesforce Data Import Wizard?
The Data Import Wizard is a built-in Salesforce tool that allows you to import, update, or upsert data without any external software. It’s ideal for small to medium data loads and offers an intuitive interface for both admins and users.
You can access it directly from Setup → Data Import Wizard. No installation required.
Supported Objects
The Data Import Wizard supports a limited set of objects:
- Leads
- Accounts and Contacts
- Person Accounts
- Campaign Members
- Solutions
- Custom Objects
Use the Data Import Wizard for lightweight data operations. For large volumes or unsupported objects, use Data Loader instead.
Data Import Wizard Limitations
Before running your import, keep these key limits in mind:
- Record limit: Maximum of 50,000 records per import
- File format: Must use CSV files
- Duplicate management: Can detect duplicates using selected fields
- Automation: Validation rules and triggers run automatically, but workflow rules can be turned off
Plan your imports around the 50,000 record limit and use CSV formatting for smooth uploads.
How to Use the Data Import Wizard
Let’s walk through how to import leads using the Data Import Wizard.
Step 1: Access the Wizard
- Go to Setup in Salesforce.
- In the Quick Find box, search for Data Import Wizard.
- Click Launch Wizard!
Step 2: Choose Your Object
Select the type of records you want to import. Leads, Accounts and Contacts, or another supported object.
Step 3: Choose Your Action
You can:
- Add new records
- Update existing records
- Add new and update existing records (upsert)
Upsert means Salesforce updates a record if it exists; otherwise, it creates a new one.
Step 4: Configure Duplicate Rules and Options
- Define how Salesforce identifies duplicates (e.g., by email).
- Assign a Lead Source or Assignment Rule if needed.
- Choose whether to send owner notifications, add leads to campaigns, or trigger workflow rules.
Step 5: Upload Your File
Drag and drop your CSV file into the upload area.
Step 6: Map Your Fields
Salesforce will automatically try to map fields from your file to Salesforce fields.
- Review mappings and adjust if necessary using the Change option.
Step 7: Review and Start the Import
Before running the import, review:
- Number of mapped fields
- Import action (insert, update, or upsert)
- Unmapped fields (if any)
Once confirmed, click Start Import.
Always double-check field mappings before importing to avoid mismatched or missing data.
Checking Import Results
After starting your import, Salesforce will display a confirmation message and direct you to the Bulk Data Load Jobs page.
From there, you can:
- View start and end times
- Check success and failure counts
- Download a result CSV to see which records were imported or failed
To confirm success, navigate to the relevant object (e.g., Leads → All Open Leads) and sort by Created Date to find your new records.
Always review your import log to verify that your records loaded correctly.
Quick Recap
Here’s what to remember about the Salesforce Data Import Wizard:
- Supports limited objects (Leads, Accounts, Contacts, Campaign Members, etc.)
- Can insert, update, or upsert up to 50,000 records at once
- Runs validation rules and triggers, but workflow rules can be disabled
- Accessible from Setup. No external tools required
- Accepts CSV files only.
Final Thoughts
The Data Import Wizard is perfect for admins and analysts managing small to medium data sets. It’s simple, safe, and built right into Salesforce. This makes it an ideal first step before moving on to more advanced tools like Data Loader or Workbench.
For quick, controlled imports, the Salesforce Data Import Wizard is your go-to tool. Just remember its object limits and record cap.
