How to import data into Bubble

You can import data into Bubble by using the built‑in CSV importer found in the Data tab, or by sending data in through API workflows. The most common method for beginners is uploading a CSV directly into a Data Type, letting Bubble create or update records automatically.

Bubble’s Built‑In CSV Import

This is the simplest and most reliable way to bring a dataset into Bubble, especially when you're starting from a spreadsheet. You prepare a CSV, match its column names to your Bubble fields, then upload it directly into a specific Data Type (Bubble’s equivalent of a database table).

• Go to the Data tab → select App data.
• Choose the Data Type you want to import into (e.g., User, Product, Order).
• Click Upload and select your CSV file.
• Bubble will show you a “column mapping” screen so you can match CSV columns to fields.
• If your CSV has a unique ID column from a previous export, Bubble can use it to update existing records rather than create duplicates.

Formatting Your CSV Properly

• Column names should match your field names exactly for the smoothest import.
• For Option Sets, use the exact Option name as text.
• For Dates, use a clean standard format like YYYY‑MM‑DD hh:mm.
• For Lists of Things, you cannot import them directly; you must import them as separate rows and link them later with a workflow.

Importing Through API Workflows

This method is useful when data comes from external services or automations. You turn on Backend workflows then create an API endpoint that accepts JSON and saves it into your Bubble database.

• Go to Settings → API → enable Backend workflows.
• Create a new API workflow and add parameters like text, number, date, etc.
• Inside the workflow, add an action: Create a new Thing.

{
  "name": "Sample product",
  "price": 19.99 // number
}

When you POST JSON like the above to your endpoint, each call creates a new record.

This approach is slower for large datasets but it’s the right method for integrations (Zapier, Make, your own backend, etc.).

When to Use Each Method

• CSV Import → best for big one‑time imports, admin tasks, or onboarding existing data.
• API Workflows → best for automation, syncing with other apps, or receiving real‑time data.