How to Import Taxonomies, Categories, Tags

WP All Import can import to categories, tags, and any custom taxonomies associated with the post type you are importing.

When importing to a WordPress post, the default taxonomies are Categories and Tags, as shown below.

In the example below, we import data to a real estate theme with custom taxonomies for property locations, types, features, and more.

Import Taxonomies, Categories, Tags Location Taxonomy

To import taxonomy terms into existing ones, we recommend using the existing term slug instead of the name. By using the term slug, you will avoid creating a duplicate taxonomy term.

That said, WP All Import uses the built-in function term_exists to match existing taxonomy terms, which means it can match using either term ID, slug, or name.

Enable Mapping for Taxonomies

When importing any taxonomy, you will find the Enable Mapping for Categories option, which lets you map the imported taxonomies into different values:

Import Taxonomies Enable Mapping for Categories

In the In Your File field, you enter the data to map from your import file. In the Translated To field, you enter the data you want the previous value mapped to.

For example, if you wanted to change all instances of "Fitness", "Sports Clothing" and "Fitness Clothing" into simply "Sports", you would do this:

Import Taxonomies Example Map Categories

The Apply mapping rules before splitting via separator symbol option lets you apply these mapping rules before splitting the taxonomy via the separator used above. This can be particularly handy in cases where you need the mapping to occur on the original string, and then split the taxonomy according to the separator.

The default behavior splits the taxonomy according to the separator and then applies the mapping.

These options are available to the default taxonomies (categories and tags), as well as custom taxonomies found on your site.

Only Import Existing Taxonomy Terms

Under Advanced Options, you can enable the checkbox Do not create new terms. This will cause WP All Import not to create any new terms found and only attempt to match with existing ones.