Importing a contact file is likely one of the first actions you'll take when setting up your Ecanvasser account. This file will serve as your initial database, saving valuable time before your team becomes active.
Contact File Formatting – Best Practices
Many common import issues stem from formatting errors. Investing time upfront to ensure your contact file is well-formatted will pay off—your database integrity depends on it.
Accepted file types:
.xlsx,.xls, or.csvMaximum file size: 500 MB
For larger files, split them into smaller files before uploading.
If you run into issues, consult our Formatting Your Contact File guide or contact Support.
💡 Useful Tips
Column Order Doesn't Matter
You’ll be able to assign headers during the upload process.Consistency Is Key
Ensure each column contains uniform data. If not, consider:Splitting into multiple files, or
Cleaning your data before import.
Complete Address Details
Include full addresses—street, city, and state—for successful geocoding.Pre-Populating Custom Fields
Add generic values (e.g., populate a column with "N") in your file before uploading if needed. You can create custom fields later, but they won’t be pre-filled.Avoid Overloading Columns
Files with too many columns may fail to process. Focus on essential data.
Uploading and Mapping Your File
Step-by-Step
Go to the Imports & Exports Page
Click "UPLOAD FILE"
Choose your file from your local device
Once the file uploads, you'll proceed to column mapping.
Data File Type
There are three different data files you can import data into Ecanvasser
Contacts with Addresses - You have household addresses and the associated names or occupants who live there
Contacts only - You do not have address data, but you do have the names of your targets
Addresses only - You do not have contact names, but only their address information
Column Mapping
Each column header should be mapped to an Ecanvasser property.
Some columns may be auto-mapped based on their names.
Use the "SELECT FIELD" button to assign any unmapped columns.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
You can also create:
Custom Fields
New Election Fields
Start Importing
Once mapping is complete:
Click START IMPORT
The system checks for missing or invalid entries.
Use arrows to navigate flagged issues.
Choose to:
CANCEL to revise your file, or
CONFIRM IMPORT to proceed.
You’ll be prompted to review how addresses appear on the map:
If correct, click NEXT
Import Progress & Summary
After importing, you can monitor progress. When the Status column shows "Completed", your contacts will appear on the Database or Map page:
View Your Import Summary
Click the arrow next to the file name to see:
Total Rows Imported
New Contacts Created
Merged Contacts/Houses
New Houses Created
Skipped Rows (and why)
Once the file is imported, you have a few options available:
Delete the Import
Download/Export the file
Re-import the file
Skipped Rows
Skipped rows are caused by:
Missing required fields
Invalid data
You can:
Review and edit these rows
Re-import the updated file
Updating your file with the required information and re-importing the file will resolve the issue with skipped lines. Otherwise, skipped rows do not import into your database
Import Mapping
You can view how fields were mapped in a previous import—helpful if you're:
Re-importing a file
Merging/appending new data to existing records
Importing Resources
Support articles have been linked that you may find helpful while going through the import process.
Learn more about imports - Explore your Importing Contact Data Options
Setup your import file - Understanding Your Contact File
Troubleshoot import issues - Troubleshooting your Data Import
Geocoding your File
Geocoding is the process of converting addresses into latitude/longitude to display them on a map.
Timeframe: Geocoding is usually completed within 24 hours
Accuracy: Depends on address completeness
The accuracy of the geocoding process relies on the data provided as part of the address. Here is a breakdown of the geocoding accuracy types, known as Location Type, and their associated meanings:
You can learn more in Geocoding your File.
If you have any questions, you can message us via the chat or email support@ecanvasser.com