If you need to add new categories in bulk or require changes to several existing categories, we recommend using the import tool.
Note: Before completing a category import, please download and read the full Category Import Specification. You can also download a Category Import Template CSV file if required.
Prerequisites
Ensure Tax Rates are set up.
General rules
The file format must be .csv.
Column headers are required for data fields that need updating. Header names are space and case-insensitive.
If the file does not contain the required data fields, the whole CSV file will be rejected.
If the file contains any extra headers not recognised, the whole CSV file will be rejected.
If an existing category is found with the same name, the existing category is updated.
If any data field on a record has an error, the record is skipped, and processing moves onto the next record.
The maximum number of records/categories is 10,000 per CSV file import.
Character limits include spaces.
How to import categories
1. Click the Account Name > Admin.
2. In the Account Setup section, click the Categories subheading.
3. Click the Add button and select Import Categories from the drop-down.
4. In the pop-up window, click Browse and select the CSV file containing the category data from your device.
5. Click Import.
Note: Always use Test Mode first to ensure you're importing the data correctly. After your file has been tested, click View Full Details in the File Processing Complete banner at the top of the page to view the Imported File Details results.
New records - number of new categories created.
Updated records - number of existing categories changed.
Skipped records - number of categories ignored from the file, use the feedback given for each skipped record to make corrections to the categories before importing the file again.
If an unexpected error occurs, please contact support@expensein.com for help.
6. Check the processed file email notification sent to you matches the import record totals.
7. Once you have successfully tested your categories import, import your categories with Test Mode disabled.
8. When your CSV file is imported, you'll receive a confirmation message on the page; your categories will now be added or updated.