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

# Import people from a CSV

> Prepare a CSV roster, choose an import mode, and check results. Export Excel or Google Sheets as CSV before uploading.

Import a CSV to add many people at once. If your roster is in Excel or Google Sheets, export it as **CSV** first. ClearPolicy does not accept `.xlsx` or `.xls` workbooks for people imports.

**Who can do this:** owners and administrators. Each import accepts up to **10,000 people** and a file up to **5 MB**.

## Prepare your file

Open **Settings → Imports** and download the sample CSV. Use its headers:

| Column | Required column? | Contents |
| - | - | - |
| `First name` | Yes | The person's first name, when available. |
| `Last name` | Yes | The person's last name. |
| `Email` | Yes | The address used for document requests. |
| `Phone` | No | A phone number with a country code, such as `+14065550132`. |
| `Groups` | No | Comma-separated group names, such as `Staff, Safety committee`. |

Header capitalization does not matter. Use the sample names to avoid an unrecognized column. Save as UTF-8 CSV if names or accents are not displayed correctly.

```csv theme={null}
First name,Last name,Email,Phone,Groups
Alex,Morgan,alex@example.com,,"Staff, Safety committee"
Priya,Shah,priya@example.com,,Staff
```

Quote a CSV cell that contains commas. Spreadsheet exports handle this for you.

## Choose an import mode

| Mode | What it does |
| - | - |
| **Add Only** | Adds new people and matches existing people by email. Archived matches stay archived. This is the default. |
| **Add & Unarchive** | Adds new people and restores matched archived people to active lists. |
| **Roster Sync** | Adds new people, restores archived matches, and archives active people not successfully included in this import. |

<Warning>
  **Roster Sync** applies to your whole organization, not just one group. Use a complete, checked roster. Missing people—and rows that fail to import—can result in people being archived and their open requests canceled. Choose **Add Only** when importing a partial list.
</Warning>

## Upload and import

1. Open **Settings → Imports**. The import action on **People** also takes you to imports.
2. Drop your CSV or click **Choose file**.
3. Check the preview and total record count. The preview shows a sample, not every row.
4. Select the import mode.
5. Click **Import** with the displayed people count.
6. Review progress and results under **Past imports**. Open the import details for failures and warnings.

You can keep working while the import finishes. Wait for it to finish before starting another import in the same organization.

## Existing people and groups

ClearPolicy matches people by email within your organization. A match reuses the person; it does not overwrite their existing name or phone. Edit those details from the person's **Settings**.

A populated **Groups** cell sets that person's group list and creates missing groups. Review the group names before importing, including for existing people.

Adding group membership can create requests when a group has **Automatic request emails** on. The email follows within a minute. Adding people alone does not send a team invitation. See [group automation](/guides/manage-groups#automatic-request-emails).

## Fix an import problem

* **File not accepted:** export a CSV, check the 5 MB limit, and split files with more than 10,000 people.
* **Missing columns:** use `First name`, `Last name`, and `Email` headers from the sample.
* **Characters look wrong:** export again as UTF-8 CSV.
* **Phone warning:** include the country code. An invalid phone may be skipped while the person is imported.
* **Some rows failed:** check the import details and correct the affected rows before trying again. Use **Add Only** for a file containing only corrections or additions.


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