> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.adsera.in/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import Contacts via Copy-Paste

> Add contacts by copying and pasting data directly from a spreadsheet without needing to upload a file.

This guide will walk you through importing your contacts quickly and easily using the copy-paste feature. This method is perfect for smaller lists or when you have data readily available in a spreadsheet.

**Want to Import Contacts via Copy-Paste? [Go to the AdsEra Contact Import Page →](https://app.adsera.in/dashboard/contact/import/option)**

### Prerequisites

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Contact Data Ready" icon="file-excel">
    Have your contact information ready in a spreadsheet (like Google Sheets or Excel) or a text editor.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Required Identifier" icon="key">
    Your data **must** include either an `EMAIL` or a `PHONE` column. At least one of these is required to identify and manage contacts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contact Consent" icon="user-check">
    Remember, you must have your contacts' consent to send them marketing campaigns.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Step-by-Step Import Process

Follow these steps to import your contacts using the copy-paste method.

<Steps>
  <Step title="1. Navigate to the Import Screen">
    From your AdsEra Dashboard, navigate to **Audience > All**. In the top-right corner, click the **Import contact** button. On the next screen, select the **Copy-Paste** method.

    ![Selecting the Contact import option.](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/whatsera/68f34ab8-647d-4f67-9d37-f1b7d7012b5d_import_contact.png)
    ![Selecting the Copy-Paste import option.](https://sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/whatsera/ca2992ad-1052-4a83-b5d6-1b83ba46b4ac_contact_copy_paste.png)
  </Step>

  <Step title="2. Format and Copy Your Data">
    Before pasting, ensure your data is correctly formatted in your spreadsheet or text file.

    * **Column Headers:** Your data must start with a header row (e.g., `EMAIL`, `FIRSTNAME`).
    * **Comma-Separated:** Each value in a row must be separated by a comma.
    * **Required & Optional Columns:** `EMAIL` is mandatory. You can also include `FIRSTNAME`, `LASTNAME`, `PHONE`, and `LANDLINE`. Any extra columns will be saved as custom attributes.

    Here's an example of the expected syntax:

    ```csv theme={null}
    EMAIL,FIRSTNAME,LASTNAME,PHONE,COMPANY
    emma@example.com,Emma,Dubois,33612345678,Innovate Inc.
    mickael@example.com,Mickael,Parker,15555551234,Solutions Corp
    ```

    Once formatted, select and copy your data (including the header row).
  </Step>

  <Step title="3. Paste Your Data">
    Paste your copied data directly into the text area provided on the import screen, then click Next.
  </Step>

  <Step title="4. Confirm Your Data">
    AdsEra will display a preview of your data in a table. Review it to ensure your columns and rows appear correctly, then click Next.
  </Step>

  <Step title="5. Map Your Fields">
    This crucial step matches your data columns to the corresponding fields in AdsEra. The system will attempt to auto-map them.

    Verify Mapping: Ensure each "Column name from imported file" is correctly matched to a "Column name on AdsEra".

    Set Duplicate Handling: For each column, choose an action for updating existing contacts:

    Overwrite: Replaces existing data with the new data.

    Fill only if empty: Only adds data if the field is currently blank.

    Skip: Ignores the new data for that field if the contact already exists.
  </Step>

  <Step title="6. Assign to a Contact List">
    Every contact you import must be assigned to at least one list.

    Select an existing list: Choose from your current contact lists.

    Create a new list: Click the "Create A List" button and give your new list a name.

    Once you've selected a list, click Upload.
  </Step>

  <Step title="7. Review the Confirmation Report">
    Congratulations! Your contacts are now being imported. After processing, you'll receive a confirmation report detailing the number of successful and failed imports, along with reasons for any failures.
  </Step>
</Steps>