---
title: Category imports by template
slug: configured-commerce/docs/category-imports-by-template
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-08-13T10:46:18.000Z
---

Using the import template is a quick way to take existing category data and bring it into Optimizely Configured Commerce. The template is pre-populated with data columns which represent the many category fields in Configured Commerce. This article provides an overview of how to effectively use the import template.

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note**

The template spreadsheet must have the cells formatted as text in order to upload properly into Configured Commerce.
:::

## Access the category template

1. Go to **Catalog > Categories** in the Admin Console.
2. Click the **Upload** icon. The Import Categories page displays.
3. Click **Download Template**. The template downloads as a Microsoft Excel file.
4. Open the Excel file and follow the examples to create categories in the spreadsheet.
5. Click **Save** on your file before closing it.

## Upload the category template

1. Return to the **Import Categories** page.
2. Select **Categories** from the **What would you like to import?** drop-down menu.
3. Click **Choose File** to upload your categories spreadsheet.
4. Locate your file and click **Open**. The system validates the file and displays any errors, if found.
5. Select or clear the items under **Import Options** based on your preferences.
6. Click **Import**.

## Work with the category template

The template columns are broken down into the following groups:

- Required - These fields are category data point that are necessary within Configured Commerce
- Recommended - These fields are recommended, but not necessary to create a viable category in Configured Commerce
- Optional - These fields are optional based on the configuration of Configured Commerce features

The table below represents the columns in the template

| Column                   | Group       | Description                                                                                                                               |
| ------------------------ | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Website                  | Required    | This reflects the website name field associated with this category hierarchy                                                              |
| Category1.Name           | Required    | This represents the top level of category hierarchy - can be skipped on subsequent records or included                                    |
| Category2.Name           | Required    | This is the second level of category associated with the CategoryName1 field to the left or above                                         |
| Category3.Name           | Required    | This is the third level of category associated with the CategoryName1 field to the left or above                                          |
| Category4.Name           | Required    | Only the lowest level category will be updated so the additional fields to the right would apply to that category                         |
| Category Title           | Required    | This is the internal description of the category                                                                                          |
| URL Segment              | Required    | This will be automatically assigned based on the category name field but can be entered manually - it should conform to proper URL values |
| Small Image Path         | Recommended | This field is the image path for the small thumbnail images for the category, typically shown in the search bar                           |
| Large Image Path         | Recommended | This field is the image path for the large image, typically used on the category landing page                                             |
| Image Alt Text           | Recommended | This field represents the Alt Text for the small and large images                                                                         |
| Sort Order               | Optional    | This will help define the list of categories - if nothing is entered, they will be displayed alphabetically                               |
| Meta Keywords            | Optional    | Used for SEO purposes                                                                                                                     |
| Meta Description         | Optional    | Used for SEO purposes                                                                                                                     |
| CurrentDefaultContent    | Optional    | This is the content for the default language, persona and device for the category landing page                                            |
| AttributeTypes           | Optional    | This is a comma separated list of all valid attribute types for this category                                                             |
| RelatedProduct.CrossSell | Optional    | This will allow for a comma-separate list of product numbers that represent the relationship shown - cross sells in this case             |
| RelatedProduct.Accessory | Recommended | This will allow for a comma-separate list of product numbers that represent the relationship shown - accessories in this case             |