Import data from local files

Import data from a local filesystem




In DataPrep, you can import various file types, including CSV, TSV, JSON, HTML, XLS, XLSX and XML. With this connector, you can streamline your ETL workflows, enable smooth data movement, and simplify data integration between local files and Zoho DataPrep.

Notes
Note :
1. DataPrep also supports files without any extension or files in plain text format. However, binary files cannot be parsed during import; users will have to manually parse the file into one of the supported formats listed above. 
2. Maximum local file size supported during import is 100MB. You can find the details on other technical limitations here.

To import a local file

1. Create a pipeline or open an existing pipeline from the Home Page, Pipelines tab or Workspaces tab and click the Add data option. You can also click the Import data option under the Workspaces tab to import data.  
Info
Info: You can also click the Import data  icon at the top of the pipeline builder and bring data from multiple sources into the pipeline.



2. Choose the Files option from the Choose your data source. You can also click the Files category from the left pane and upload files you select one of the below options:
  • Files
  • URL
  • FTP  


3. Drag and drop your files into the upload box or click on it to browse for your files. You can also enable the Import from local network toggle if you want to import local files incrementally based on a specific file pattern. Click here to know more.
Notes
Note : In the case of Zip files, only one file is supported. Make sure you have only one file compressed or zipped within the .Zip file.





Info You can also click the  Try sample  link to import the sample dataset and see how it works.

4. The files added will be shown along with their file size. You have the option to add more files or remove the existing ones. 
Notes
Note : In the case of HTML files, data selection for import depends on the order in which the tables exist within the HTML page. 



5. Click Import once you have all your files. The upload progress will be shown. 

6. If the files are HTML, XLS, XLSX or password protected files the user can enter the password and preview the files before clicking the Import button to complete the import.



7. Once all files are successfully imported, it will take you to the Pipeline builder page where you can start applying transforms to the ETL pipeline. You can also right-click the stage and choose the Prepare data option to prepare your data in the DataPrep Studio page. Click here to know about transforms.



8. Once you are done creating your data flow and applying necessary transforms in your stages, you can right-click a stage and add a destination to complete your data flow.

NotesNote:  After adding a destination to the ETL pipeline, you can try executing your pipeline using a manual run at first. Once you make sure manual run works, you can then set up schedule to automate the pipeline and data movement. Learn about the different types of runs here.
Notes
Note
1. Each file is created as a separate dataset inside your workspace. 
2. If the file is password-protected, DataPrep will prompt you to enter the password to open the file. This password will not be saved and is only used for opening the password-protected file. 
3. If you upload excel files, DataPrep offers an option to select individual sheets in the file for import. You can also preview the sheets before choosing to import them. 


To import files from local network 

Using the Import from local network toggle, you can perform dynamic file selection based on the regex. This can be used for getting new or incremental data from your local file system. Incremental fetch is a method used to import new files from a source after the previous sync. Zoho DataPrep helps you import incremental data from your local files using Zoho Databridge.

Info
Important: This option is used not only for incremental fetch. You can also use this option for bulk import of files based on the file pattern.

In DataPrep, you can incrementally import various file types, including CSV, TSV, JSON, XML, XLS, XLSX and TXT.

1. Enable the Import from local network toggle if you want to import local files incrementally based on a specific file pattern.


Info
Info: Please ensure that you have installed Zoho Databridge in your machine to import local files. Click here to know how to download and install Zoho Databridge.



2. Choose an active Databridge and provide the following details:

Folder path : The folder path where you want to search for files. Eg. D:\DataPrep\Datasets

Info
Info: Folder path is case-sensitive.

Include subfolders : You can select this checkbox if you want to include subfolders while searching for a file.

File pattern : The pattern used to match the file names in the specified location. This supports regex type matching. You can also use the pattern, ".*" to match any file in the path specified.

Merge files and import : This will merge all the files that match the pattern specified and import them as a single dataset.

File passwordEnter the password if the file is password protected.

Info
Info: File pattern is case-sensitive.
Notes

Note: The file pattern match is a simple regex type match. For example, to fetch files with names such as Sales_2022.csv,Sales_2023.csv, Sales_2024.csv , you can input the pattern Sales_.* 

Similarly to fetch files such as PublicData1.csv , PublicData2.csv , PublicData3.csv , use Public.*

If you want to import a single file, then specify the pattern using the exact file name.
Eg: leads_jan_2022.*


File type : Choose the required file format. The available formats are CSV, TSV, JSON, XLS, XLSX, XML, and TXT.

Sheet pattern : This option is available for the XLS and XLSX formats only. The pattern used to match the sheet names in the file. This supports regex type matching. You can also use the pattern ".*" to match any sheet in the file.

The sheet pattern match is also a simple regex-based match. For example, to fetch sheets with names such as Sales_2022, Sales_2023, Sales_2024, you can input the pattern Sales_.*

Similarly, to fetch sheets such as PublicData1, PublicData2, PublicData3, use Public.*

If you want to import a single sheet, then specify the pattern using the exact sheet name.
Eg: Leads_Jan_2022.*

Info: Sheet pattern is case-sensitive.

Sheet password : This option is available for XLS and XLSX formats only. Enter the password if the sheet is password protected.
Merge sheets and import : This will merge all the sheets that match the pattern specified and import them as a single dataset.


Idea
You can use this option to merge sheets together during the import itself, without having to perform unions post import.


NotesNote: If this checkbox is unchecked then, only 1 sheet will be fetched at a time. 
3. Click the Import button. 

SEE ALSO 

      Create. Review. Publish.

      Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

      Get Started Now


        Access your files securely from anywhere

          Zoho CRM Training Programs

          Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

          Zoho CRM Training
            Redefine the way you work
            with Zoho Workplace

              Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

              If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

              Zoho CRM Training

                Create, share, and deliver

                beautiful slides from anywhere.

                Get Started Now


                  Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

                  BOOK A SESSION







                              Quick LinksWorkflow AutomationData Collection
                              Web FormsRetailOnline Data Collection Tool
                              Embeddable FormsBankingBegin Data Collection
                              Interactive FormsWorkplaceData Collection App
                              CRM FormsCustomer ServiceForms for Solopreneurs
                              Digital FormsMarketingForms for Small Business
                              HTML FormsEducationForms for Enterprise
                              Contact FormsE-commerceForms for any business
                              Lead Generation FormsHealthcareForms for Startups
                              Wordpress FormsCustomer onboardingForms for Small Business
                              No Code FormsConstructionRSVP tool for holidays
                              Free FormsTravelFeatures for Order Forms
                              Prefill FormsNon-Profit
                              Forms for Government
                              Intake FormsLegal
                              Mobile App
                              Form DesignerHR
                              Mobile Forms
                              Card FormsFoodOffline Forms
                              Assign FormsPhotographyMobile Forms Features
                              Translate FormsReal EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                              Electronic FormsInsurance
                              Drag & drop form builder

                              Notification Emails for FormsAlternativesSecurity & Compliance
                              Holiday FormsGoogle Forms alternative GDPR
                              Form to PDFJotform alternativeHIPAA Forms
                              Email FormsWufoo alternativeEncrypted Forms
                              Accessible FormsTypeform alternativeSecure Forms

                              WCAG

                                          Create. Review. Publish.

                                          Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

                                          Get Started Now






                                                            You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                                Manage your brands on social media

                                                                  Use cases

                                                                  Make the most of Zoho Desk with the use cases.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  eBooks

                                                                  Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho Desk.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  Videos

                                                                  Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho Desk.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  Webinar

                                                                  Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho Desk basics, from customization to automation and more

                                                                   
                                                                    
                                                                  • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                                  • Meetups


                                                                  • Ask the Experts


                                                                  • Kbase


                                                                  • Resources


                                                                  • Glossary


                                                                  • Desk Marketplace


                                                                  • MVP Corner



                                                                    Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                                     

                                                                        Zoho Forms Resources


                                                                          Secure your business
                                                                          communication with Zoho Mail


                                                                          Mail on the move with
                                                                          Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                                            Stay on top of your schedule
                                                                            at all times


                                                                            Carry your calendar with you
                                                                            Anytime, anywhere




                                                                                  Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                                    Sign, Paperless!

                                                                                    Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                                    Get Started Now




                                                                                            Zoho TeamInbox Resources





                                                                                                      Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                                      Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                                      REGISTER NOW


                                                                                                        Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                                        Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                                        Get Started Now










                                                                                                                            • Related Articles

                                                                                                                            • Import configuration for local files

                                                                                                                              You can import data from local files using Zoho Databridge. Look into the following sections to learn about the import configuration of each selection type. How to import data from local files without using Databridge? How to import data from local ...
                                                                                                                            • Import data from YugaByte

                                                                                                                              You can import data from the YugaByte database into Zoho DataPrep using Zoho Databridge. Click here to know about Zoho Databridge. Before looking into how to import data, let's take a look at the pre-requisites to connect to the Denodo database. ...
                                                                                                                            • Import data from local databases

                                                                                                                              You can import data from the following local databases into DataPrep using Zoho Databridge: MySQL MS SQL Server Oracle PostgreSQL Maria DB Pervasive SQL Sybase DB2 Exasol Sqlite Actian Vector Greenplum Denodo Progress OpenEdge YugabyteDB Microsoft ...
                                                                                                                            • Import incremental data from local files

                                                                                                                              Incremental data fetch is a method used to import new files or modified files from a source. Zoho DataPrep helps you import incremental data from your local files using Zoho Databridge. In DataPrep, you can incrementally import various file types, ...
                                                                                                                            • Import data from Progress OpenEdge

                                                                                                                              You can import data from the Progress OpenEdge database into Zoho DataPrep using Zoho Databridge. Click here to know about Zoho Databridge. Before looking into how to import data, let's take a look at the pre-requisites to connect to the Progress ...
                                                                                                                              Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                              your workplace

                                                                                                                                Resources

                                                                                                                                Videos

                                                                                                                                Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                eBooks

                                                                                                                                Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                Webinars

                                                                                                                                Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                                CRM Tips

                                                                                                                                Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                                  Zoho Show Resources