Import From External Source or Use Existing File
In Step 1 of the import process, you'll be asked to specify how you want to import your data. The following options are available: Upload a file, Download a file, and Use existing file. This documentation explains how to use the Download a file and Use existing file options.
Download a file
You can download a file from an external source using this option. When selected, you'll be prompted to download the file from a URL or from a FTP/SFTP source.
From URL
This will let you input a URL to download the file from. This URL should point directly to the file that you want to import from.
![Download A File From URL Example](https://www.wpallimport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Download-A-File-From-URL-Example-1024x657.jpg)
You'll know it's working when you're prompted to download/save the file as soon as the URL is opened in a browser.
If your file is protected by HTTP protection, you can follow this guide: Password Protected Files.
From FTP/SFTP
This will let you download the file from an FTP or SFTP source. Once you input all of the credentials required to access the FTP/SFTP server, click on Select File to define the file path to use.
![Download a file From FTP:SFTP WP All Import](https://www.wpallimport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Download-a-file-From-FTPSFTP-WP-All-Import-968x1024.png)
After the FTP file path has been defined, you can change it to apply any of the available formats, such as {newest.ext}, {any.ext}, {oldest.ext} and {custom.ext}, if needed.
Use existing file
Alternatively, you can use any existing files that have been uploaded to the /wp-content/uploads/wpallimport/files/ folder. All files from that folder will appear in this list:
![Download A File Use Existing File](https://www.wpallimport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Download-A-File-Use-Existing-File-1024x682.jpg)
How to Enable Scheduling
To enable Scheduling Options for an import process, you need to use either Download a file or Use existing file as explained in this guide.
When using Upload a file, you won't be able to set up any schedules for that import.
![Scheduling Options Disabled Upload A File](https://www.wpallimport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Scheduling-Options-Disabled-Upload-A-File-1024x266.jpg)
You can modify the import file source via the import settings in All Import › Manage Imports › Settings. Just select a new import source and set it up as explained in this documentation.
![Update Import File in Import Settings WP All Import](https://www.wpallimport.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Update-Import-File-in-Import-Settings-WP-All-Import-1024x599.jpg)
Import Any CSV, XML, or Excel to WordPress
- Any theme or plugin
- Images & galleries
- Custom fields
- Categories & tags
- Woo, ACF, Meta Box, JetEngine
Advanced Topics
How to Download Data From a Google Sheet
Importing data from a Google Sheet is simple. Here's what to do:
- First, create the data in your Google spreadsheet, ensuring that all the data is correctly set up. Once the data is ready, obtain the publicly accessible URL to this sheet.
- Go to Share in the top right corner, or go to File › Share › Share with others.
- Under General access, change Restricted to Anyone with the link and then copy the link using Copy link.
- Use that URL in Download a file › From URL:
Related Docs
Quickstart guide explaining how to import into WordPress using WP All Import.
Learn about the available import types in Step 1 of WP All Import.
Common issues that can arise while importing and their solutions.