CSV Import / Export

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) import and export lets you transfer data between Component.Studio and external tools like spreadsheet applications.

Exporting to CSV

Export your dataset to a CSV file to edit in Excel, Google Sheets, or other tools.

1 Open the Import menu

In the dataset editor, click the Import button in the toolbar.

2 Click "Export CSV"

Select Export CSV from the menu.

3 Download starts automatically

A file named YourDatasetName.csv downloads to your computer.

What Gets Exported

All columns and rows in your dataset are exported, including the name, quantity, and any custom columns you've created.

Importing from CSV

Import a CSV file to add or update rows in your dataset.

1 Open the Import dialog

Click the Import button, then select Import CSV.

2 Select your CSV file

Click to browse or drag and drop your CSV file into the upload area.

3 Review changes

The preview shows:

Rows to add (new rows)
Rows to update (existing rows with changes)
Rows to remove (rows in the dataset but not in the CSV)
New columns to create

4 Click "Import"

Confirm the import to apply the changes to your dataset.

CSV File Requirements

Required: "name" Column

Your CSV file must include a name column. This column identifies each row and is used to match rows during import.

Column Headers

The first row of your CSV should contain column headers. These become the column names in your dataset.

 name,quantity,type,description Goblin,5,Monster,A small green creature Dragon,1,Boss,Fire-breathing beast

Optional Columns

quantity - Number of copies to create (defaults to 0 if omitted)
Any other columns - Custom data for your dataset

How Import Matching Works

The importer uses the name column to match rows:

Scenario	Result
CSV row name matches existing row	Updates the existing row with new data
CSV row name is new	Creates a new row
Existing row not in CSV	Removes the row from dataset
CSV has new column	Adds the column to dataset
Existing column not in CSV	Removes the column from dataset

Import Replaces Data

CSV import replaces your dataset with the CSV content. Rows and columns not in the CSV will be removed. Always export a backup CSV before importing!

Common Workflows

Bulk Editing in Excel

Export your dataset to CSV
Open the CSV in Excel or Google Sheets
Make your changes
Save the file as CSV
Import the updated CSV back to Component.Studio

Creating Data from Scratch

Create a spreadsheet with a name column and any other columns you need
Export as CSV
Import into Component.Studio

Backup and Restore

Export CSV regularly to create backups
If you need to restore, simply import the backup CSV

Pro Tip: Version Control

Export CSV files with timestamps (like cards_2025-01-13.csv) to maintain a history of your dataset changes.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Import fails with "name column required"	Ensure your CSV has a column header named exactly name (lowercase).
Special characters look wrong	Save your CSV with UTF-8 encoding to preserve special characters.
Excel adds extra formatting	Use "Save As" → "CSV (Comma delimited)" to export from Excel, not the regular Save button.
Commas in cell values break import	Wrap values containing commas in quotes: "Dragons, large ones",5

Summary

CSV import and export provides a simple way to:

Edit large datasets in familiar spreadsheet tools
Create backups of your data
Transfer data between projects
Generate data programmatically

Use Export CSV to download your data, and Import CSV to upload changes back to Component.Studio.