Import products

Use Runner's CSV template to start a catalog import and follow its processing history.

Import products from a prepared CSV when entering the same structured catalog information one product at a time would be inefficient.

Why and when to use import

Use Import when you already have product data in a spreadsheet or another system and can map it to Runner’s CSV template. Use the manual Products form for a small catalog or when you need to learn the fields first.

Availability and prerequisites

If setup cards appear instead of the admin menu, complete store setup first, then select Open Store Operations.

Open Store Operations → Products in a ready store.
Complete the store publish/readiness setup that creates its live storefront catalog channel; the import task cannot continue without that channel.
The populated desktop product list shows Import. In an empty catalog, first use Add First Product; the mobile view emphasizes manual creation.
Import accepts CSV files only.
Use Runner’s current Template. Required columns are Product Handle and Product Title; variant rows use the option fields shown by the template, and Variant SKU is optional.
Starting an import changes the store catalog. Review the file before submitting it.

Open Import Products

Entry path: Workspace → choose a store → Store Operations → Products → Import

English annotations: Import Products dialog

English callouts highlight the controls. Select the image to enlarge it.

Main controls

Control	Why you use it	What happens when selected
Import	Open the bulk-import workflow	Opens the Import Products dialog without starting a task.
Template	Start from Runner’s expected columns	Downloads the current `product-import-template.csv` file.
History	Check earlier import tasks	Switches to a list of import files and their latest states.
Upload area	Choose the prepared CSV	Reads the file locally and shows it as ready when content is available.
Remove-file control	Correct a wrong selection	Clears the selected file so you can choose another.
Start Import	Submit the selected CSV	Starts an import task, then moves to History when Runner accepts it.
Cancel	Leave without submitting	Closes the dialog and clears the selected file.
Refresh in History	Request the latest task state	Reloads the visible import history.
Back to Import	Prepare another file	Returns from History to the upload view.
Close	Leave History	Closes the dialog without changing the task already submitted.

Prepare and submit a CSV

Select Import, then Template.
Open the downloaded CSV in a spreadsheet editor that preserves CSV formatting.
Keep the template headers. Complete Product Handle and Product Title for products, plus the shown option values for variants. Add Variant SKU when your catalog uses SKUs.
Review product handles, titles, prices, variants, and any repeated rows before exporting as CSV.
Return to the dialog and choose or drag the CSV into the upload area.
Wait until the file shows Ready to import.
Select Start Import once.
In History, follow the submitted file until it reaches a terminal state, then refresh the Products list and inspect the resulting rows.

To learn the workflow without changing the catalog, download Template, review its headers, then open History. Return with Back to Import and close the dialog. Selecting a file prepares it; only Start Import submits a catalog change.

The recording inspects import requirements and empty History, then returns to draft products. No CSV is submitted or imported.

Understand History states

State	Meaning	What to do
Pending	The task is waiting to start	Leave it in place and check again later; do not immediately submit a duplicate.
Processing	Runner is working through the file	Keep the dialog open or return to History later.
Completed	Runner finished handing the file to the catalog importer	Product processing can continue after this state. Refresh Products and inspect names, variants, prices, status, and inventory.
Failed	Runner could not finish the import task	The current History card records the failed state but not a detailed cause. Check the prerequisites and source CSV before submitting a new file.
Cancelled	The task did not continue	Confirm whether any products were created before deciding what to submit next.

History can also show the file size, total rows, and a transaction ID when Runner has those values. These details identify the task; they do not replace checking the product records.

Limits and troubleshooting

Start Import is disabled: Select a .csv file and wait for Runner to finish reading non-empty content.
Invalid File Type: Export the spreadsheet as CSV; renaming another file format does not convert it.
File Read Error: Re-export the CSV, confirm it opens normally on your device, and choose it again.
Import Failed: Confirm the store publish/readiness setup created the live storefront catalog channel, then use the provided template, restore required columns, and check variant option values and any supplied Variant SKU values.
The task looks stuck: Open History and select Refresh. Pending and Processing are not proof of completion.
Unexpected product rows appear: Do not repeat the same import blindly. Compare the CSV handles with the Products list and correct records deliberately.