Import/Export CSV Format

Introduction

The Import/Export feature in the Admin panel, allows the administrator to create/upload/edit bulk products in one go.

To do a bulk import/export, an excel file ".CSV" is created. All the required data is populated in this CSV file in a pre-defined format. The file has columns dedicated to each field corresponding to the fields in the backend.

Maintaining the format of all columns is of utmost importance in order import all data correctly.

A sample CSV file is below:

Sample CSV

CSV columns and formatting

The below table gives a brief description of all the column fields of a CSV file:

Note - It is important to maintain the correct column names in the CSV file in order to map to the respective fields while importing. The table below provides the formats and names to be followed.

CSV Column Name	Maps to Product Property	Example	Notes
ID	Product Id	100	Defining this will overwrite data for that ID on Import
Type	type	simple,variable,variation	Product Type. Valid values: simple, variable, variation
SKU	sku	my-sku	Required. Auto-generated if missing.
Name	name	My Product Name	Required
Published	status	1	1 = published, 0 = private,
Is featured?	featured	1	1 or 0
Visibility in Catalog	catalog_visibility	visible	Supported values: visible, catalog, search, hidden
Short Description	short_description	NA	NA
Description	description	This is more information about a product	D3
Date sale price starts	date_on_sale_from	yyyy-mm-dd ;hhss	Date or leave blank
Date sale price ends	date_on_sale_to	yyyy-mm-dd ;hhss	Date or leave blank
Tax Status	tax_status	taxable	Supported values: taxable, shipping, none
Tax class	tax_class	HSN Code	Can use any existing tax class.
In stock?	stock_status	1	1 or 0
Stock	manage_stock/stock_quantity	20	Numeric stock level enables stock management. parent can be used for variations. Blank = no stock management.
Low stock amount	low_stock_amount	3	Any number or blank
Backorders allowed?	backorders	0	0 or 1
Sold individually?	sold_individually	0	1 or 0
Weight (unit)	weight	100	Only numbers; Unit = kgs
Length (unit)	length	20	Only numbers; Unit = inch
Width (unit)	width	20	Only numbers; Unit = inch
Height (unit)	Heigth	20	Only numbers; Unit = inch
Allow customer reviews-?	reviews_allowed	0	1 or 0 ; NA
Purchase Note	purchase_note	NA	NA - Leave blank
Sale price	sale_price	1000	Any number or blank; Unit = INR
Regular price	regular_price	1000	Mandatory - Any number; Unit = INR
Categories	category_ids	Category 1, Category 1 > Category 2	CSV list of categories. ">" used for hierarchy.
Tags	tag_ids	Tag 1, Tag 2	CSV list of tags.
Shipping class	shipping_class_id	Name	Name of shipping class - Normal, Delhivery
Images	image_id/gallery_image_ids	Image url, image id, image name	First is featured image
Download Limit	download_limit	NA	NA - Leave blank
Download expiry days	download_expiry	NA	NA - Leave blank
Parent	parent_id	id:100, SKU-1	Set parent ID. Used for variations. Can be just a numeric ID e.g. id:100 or a SKU. Export will use SKU when possible.
Grouped products	children	NA	NA - Leave blank
Upsells	upsell_ids	id:100, id:101, SKU-1, SKU-2	List of IDs. Can be just a numeric ID e.g. id:100 or a SKU. Export will use SKU when possible.
Cross-sells	cross_sell_ids	NA	NA - Leave blank
External URL	product_url	NA	NA - Leave blank
Button Text	button_text	NA	NA - Leave blank
Position	menu_order	½/3	Menu order, used for sorting - enter a number
Color taxonomy	color_taxonomy	Red,blue,multi	Enter all colors seperated by comma
Material taxonomy	material_taxonomy	cotton, linen, silk	Enter all materials seperated by comma
Attribute Color	color	color	color code
Attribute 1 name	attributes	size	Looks for global attribute or uses text if not found. Include as many as needed. "Used for variations" is set automatically.
Attribute 1 value	attributes	S, M, L, XL	List of values. Variations only need 1 value. First is used if multiple get provided.
Attribute 1 visible	attributes	1	1 or 0. Mapping screen labels this as "Attribute Visibility"
Attribute 1 global	attributes	1	1 or 0. Mapping screen labels this as "Is a global attribute?"
Meta: Shoulder	shoulder	10	Enter any number; Unit = inch
Meta: Bust	bust	10	Enter any number; Unit = inch
Meta: Waist	waist	10	Enter any number; Unit = inch
Meta: Hip	hip	10	Enter any number; Unit = inch
Meta: Length	length	10	Enter any number; Unit = inch
Meta: _wc_additional_variation_images	additional_images	1234, 6538,2878	Only Color attribute variations; enter numeric code
Meta: wpcf-finer-details	finer_details	This is text related to a product	Enter text
Meta: wpcf-delivery-exchange	delivery_exchange	This is text related to a products delivery/exchange/return	Enter text
Meta: wpcf-size-fit	size_fit	This is text related to a products size/fit	Enter text
Attribute 2 name	attributes	color	Looks for global attribute or uses text if not found. Include as many as needed. "Used for variations" is set automatically.
Attribute 2 value	attributes	red, yellow, blue	List of values. Variations only need 1 value. First is used if multiple get provided.
Attribute 2 visible	attributes	1	1 or 0. Mapping screen labels this as "Attribute Visibility"
Attribute 2 global	attributes	1	1 or 0. Mapping screen labels this as "Is a global attribute?"

Column Fields

In this section of the manual, we will discuss all the columns fields one by one:

ID

Once a new product is created in the system, a Product Id is generated automatically. This Product Id is unique to each product.

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Type

In the type field, enter the Product type. There are 3 options which can be entered:

• Simple - A simple product is a type of product which is a unique (there is only one version), stand-alone, physical product that a customer can add to cart/purchase.
• Variable - A variable product is a type of product which can have multiple options to choose from. For example, a t-shirt available in different colors and/or sizes.
• Variation - These are multiple options available for a Variable product.

Note - Variation rows should always come below the Simple and Variable rows.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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SKU

SKU refers to a Stock-keeping unit, a unique identifier for each distinct product and service that can be purchased.

Simple	Variable	Variation
Enter the Product SKU here	This is known as a Parent SKU	Here enter the Variation SKU which gets uploaded in the Variation data

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Name

In the name field, product name to be displayed on the website product pages is to be entered.

Simple	Variable	Variation
The name should be as to be shown on the website	The name should be as to be shown on the website	The name along with the variation name should be entered

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Published

Publishing a product means that it will be visible on the website. Till the time it is not published, the product status remains private.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = Not published (private)
• 1 = Published

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Featured

Featured field is used for marking products on homepage or any particular page in a featured category.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = Not Featured
• 1 = Featured

By default, the entry = "0" for all products as at SOI this functionality is not required.

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Visibility in Catalog

This setting determines which shop pages products will be listed on.

By default, the entry on CSV = "visible"

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Short Description

NA

The short description is not required so this field is left blank for all products.

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Description

In this field text describing the product is added. This is applicable to all Simple and Variable products.

At variation level, this description is not required.

Simple	Variable	Variation
Required	Required	Not Required

Few points to remember while adding text:

• The description text appears in the "Text" tab on the backend.
• Use "br in <>" once to go to next line; twice to insert a line space.
• To mark any text bold, add "strong in <>" at the beginning and end of the text.

On the backend, text shows as below:

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Date Sale price starts/ends

The Date Sale price starts and Date Sale price ends fields help in setting the schedule for any sale if applicable.

Simple	Variable	Variation
The schedule is set in the General tab	The sale schedule is set at Variation level	The schedule is set in the variation data section

Note - The date format to be followed always = "yyyy-mm-dd;hhss"

NEVER USE WRONG DATE FORMAT

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Tax Status

The tax status field defines whether or not the entire product is taxable.

By default, all products at SOI are taxable. Always enter "taxable" in this field.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Tax Class

Tax classes are used to apply different tax rates specific to certain types of products. Enter the applicable code in this field.

Tax class is a mandatory field and relevant code should be entered.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

Points to Remember:

• Pre-defined HSN Codes are entered in the tax class field.

• HSN Code to be used should be already added in the system.

  

• If HSN code not added, follow the Tax Rate Setup

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In stock?

This field allows to let the system know, if the product is available or out of stock.

By default, for all products of SOI, the In stock field has value as "1"

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (out of stock)
• 1 = Yes (In stock)

Note - If marking "1", make sure the Stock Value is greater than 1

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Stock

Stock field refers to the stock quantity available for each product.

"In case of a variable product this value will be used to control stock for all variations, unless you define stock at variation level."

Simple	Variable	Variation
Stock quantity is set in the Inventory section	Do not enter value for variable here	Stock quantity is defined at the variation level

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Low Stock Amount

This refers to the threshold, which, when the product stock reaches this amount you will be notified by email.

Simple	Variable	Variation
This value is updated in the Inventory section	This value is updated in the Inventory section	Value is updated at variable level only

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Backorders Allowed?

This field controls whether or not backorders (No stock but still taking orders) are allowed. It means, if enabled, stock quantity can go below 0.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (Do not allow)
• 1 = Yes (Allow)

For all products of SOI, by default the value is "0"

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Sold Individually

If this field is enabled, it would mean that the customer would be allowed to add only one product in the cart.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (Do not allow)
• 1 = Yes (Allow)

Since this functionality is not required for all SOI products, by default the value remains "0"

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Weight

Weight is part of the shipping details of all products. Entering a value to this field is mandatory.

Weight should be entered in "kgs"

Simple	Variable	Variation
The value is updated in the shipping section	The value is set at variation level	The value is set in the respective variation data

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Length

Length is part of the dimensions for shipping details of all products. Entering a value to this field is mandatory.

Length should be entered in "inches"

Width

Width is part of the dimensions for shipping details of all products. Entering a value to this field is mandatory.

Width should be entered in "inches"

Height

Height is part of the dimensions for shipping details of all products. Entering a value to this field is mandatory.

Height should be entered in "inches"

The dimensions are updated as below:

Simple	Variable	Variation
The value is updated in the shipping section	The value is set at variation level	The value is set in the respective variation data

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Allow Customer Reviews?

NA

If enabled, this field allows the customers to leave reviews on the product pages.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (Do not allow)
• 1 = Yes (Allow)

Since this functionality is not required for all SOI products, by default the value remains "0"

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Purchase Note

NA

This function is not required for all SOI products, so it will be left blank.

Sale Price

Sale price is the value which is updated if and when a product goes on sale.

Simple	Variable	Variation
Value is updated in the General section	Value is updated at variaiton level	Value updated in respective variations data

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Regular Price

Regular price is the amount the customer pays for any product.

This is a mandatory field and a value has to be entered for each product.

Simple	Variable	Variation
Value is updated in the General section	Value is updated at variaiton level	Value updated in respective variations data

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Categories

Product categories help in organizing the products. Categories are the primary way to group products with similar features. You can also add sub-categories if desired. We refer to them as levels.

• L1 - Parent Category
• L2 - Sub-category
• L3 - Sub-sub-category

When making an entry in the CSV file a sequence needs to be followed in order to update the backend in the required manner.

The sequence is defined by using a ">" sign between each level and seperated by commas. Let's look at the example below to understand this:

L1>L2>L3,L1>L2,L1

OR

L1,L1>L2,L1>L2>L3

Here:

L1 = Parent Category L1>L2 = Sub-category under the Parent category L1>L2>L3 = Sub-sub-category under the sub-category

The category field is updated only in the Simple and Variable products. It is not required in the Variations.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Tags

Product tags are another way to relate products to each other. These are keywords which can be used in searching products on the website.

In this field enter keywords seperated by commas.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Shipping Class

Shipping classes are used by certain shipping methods to group similar products. It allows you to control important details about a physical product (weight, dimensions) for shipping.

Only 2 options are available, which should be entered as per product category:

• Normal
• Delhivery (Primarily used for Home & Living products)

Shipping class is a mandatory field and one of the above options should be entered.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend
Entry is required for all products	Updations happen as per entry

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Images

The Images field refers to the Product Image and Product Gallery Images on the backend.

Some tips to fill this field:

• The complete image URL has to be entered.
• Multiple URL's can be entered seperated by commas.
• the 1^st URL entered will represent the Product/featured image.
• All other URL's represent the Product Gallery images.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend
Entry required only for Simple and Variable products	Updated under respective products

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Download Limit

NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Download Expiry Days

NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Parent

The Parent field refers to the Parent SKU as entered in all variable products.

The parent field is required only for variation rows. Each variation of a particular variable product is linked to the parent product through this field.

It is mandatory to enter the correct corresponding Parent SKu against the variations, in order to update the backend and frontend correctly.

The below example explains this:

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Grouped Products

NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Upsells

Up-sells are displayed on the product details page. These are products that are displayed to encourage users to upgrade, based on the product they are currently viewing.

This field will include the Product Id or Parent SKU of products to be shown and should be seperated by a comma.

To enter data, follow below format:

• To enter a Product Id - id:number
• To enter SKU : sku-number

A maximum of 3 products can be added.

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Cross-Sells

NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

External URL

NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Button Text - NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Position

The number entered in the Position field, helps decide the order of products on the PLP.

• If position = number value : the product will be listed on that position.
• If position = 0 : the product will be randomly listed.

Simple	Variable	Variation
Optional	Optional	Not required

Entry in CSV	As appears on Frontend

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Color Taxonomy

Colors help in organizing, searching the products on the basis of color category/family.

On the front-end these colors are available as color filters to select from.

In the color taxonomy field, all the product related colors should be entered seperated by a comma.

This field should be updated only for Simple and Variable rows.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend	As appears on Frontend

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Material Taxonomy

Materials help in organizing the products on the basis of material used (fabric, accessories).

On the front-end these materials are available as material filters to select from.

In the material taxonomy field, all the product related materials should be entered seperated by a comma.

This field should be updated only for Simple and Variable rows.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend	As appears on Frontend

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Attribute Color

The attribute color field is applicable only to Variable and variation rows for products which have only color variations.

This field defines the color tone for each variation. These color tones are visible on the product page.

Entry to be done = Color name|Corresponding color code (The color code is designated by "#' and a alpha-number, eg. #ebf9ff)

Product Type	Entry In CSV	As appears on Frontend
Variable
Variation

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Attribute 1 name

In this field, name of the required attribute is added. This column field is dedicated to the size attribute.

For all products, the entry remains same.

Simple	Variable	Variation
Required - Size	Required - Size	Required - Size

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Attribute 1 Value(s)

In this field, all values associated with Attribute 1 should be entered.

This is a required field for all rows - Simple, Variable, Variation

Simple	Variable	Variation
This will have a single entry (could be a measurement or size)	Here all possible variation values to be entered	Enter only variation specific value

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Attribute 1 visible

Attribute to be visible means that it appears on the product page.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (Not visible)
• 1 = Yes (Visible)

This field is updated only for Simple and Variable rows. The value should always be "1"

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Attribute 1 global

Attribute to be global means that the attributes are available to choose from.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (Not visible)
• 1 = Yes (Visible)

This field is updated for all rows - Simple, Variable, Variation. The value should always be "1"

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Meta: _wpv_contains_gutenberg_views - NA

This field is not required/not applicable and is left blank.

Meta: Shoulder

This field consists of the Shoulder measurement for all products in the Uppers (blouses, dresses, kurtas) category.

• This field is only required for Variation rows.
• The shoulder measurement helps in differentiating between variations sizes.
• Measurement unit to be used is "inch".

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Meta: Bust

This field consists of the Bust/chest measurement for all products in the Uppers (blouses, dresses, kurtas) category.

• This field is only required for Variation rows.
• The bust measurement helps in differentiating between variation sizes.
• Measurement unit to be used is "inch".

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Meta: Waist

This field consists of the waist measurement for all products in the Lowers (skirts, pyjamas, salwars, trousers) category.

• This field is only required for Variation rows.
• The waist measurement helps in differentiating between variation sizes.
• Measurement unit to be used is "inch".

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Meta: Hip

This field consists of the hip measurement for all products in the Lowers (skirts, pyjamas, salwars, trousers) category.

• This field is only required for Variation rows.
• The hip measurement helps in differentiating between variation sizes.
• Measurement unit to be used is "inch".

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Meta: Length

This field consists of the length measurement for all products in the Lowers & Uppers (Shirts, blouses, kurtas, skirts, pyjamas, salwars, trousers) category.

• This field is only required for Variation rows.
• The Length measurement helps in differentiating between variation sizes.
• Measurement unit to be used is "inch".

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Meta: _wc_additional_variation_images

For every product with a color variation, more images related only to that variation can be added as additional images. On the Front-end, these images with each color of the product.

• This field is updated only for the Variation rows.
• Multiple additional images can be uploaded for each color variation.
• Each image is assigned with a numeric code. These codes, seperated by comma are entered in this field.

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Meta: _wp_old_date - NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Meta: _layouts_template - NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Meta: _wp_page_template - NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Meta: views_woo_price - NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Meta: views_woo_in_stock - NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Meta: wpcf-finer-details

The finer details field may include details related to the fabric used, care instructions, etc.

Points of consideration while entering text in this field:

• This field can be upated for Simple and Variable rows.
• The text entered will be updated in the Text tab.
• To give line break : add "br in <>" at end of line twice. This will insert a blank line and take you to the next line.
• To make text bold : add "strong in <>" at the start and end of text.

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Meta: wpcf-delivery-exchange

The delivery/ exchange field contains information regarding shipping, return of product etc.

Points of consideration while entering text in this field:

• This field can be upated for Simple and Variable rows.
• The text entered will be updated in the Text tab.
• To give line break : add "br in <>" at end of line twice. This will insert a blank line and take you to the next line.
• To make text bold : add "strong in <>" at the start and end of text.

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Meta: wpcf-size-fit

Any instructions regarding the size and fit can be added here.

Points of consideration while entering text in this field:

• This field can be upated for Simple and Variable rows.
• The text entered will be updated in the Text tab.
• To give line break : add "br in <>" at end of line twice. This will insert a blank line and take you to the next line.
• To make text bold : add "strong in <>" at the start and end of text.

Below is an example of how text is updated in the abpve fields:

Entry in CSV	As update in Backend	As appears on Frontend

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Meta: _views_template - NA

This field is not required and is left blank.

Attribute 2 name

In this field, name of the required attribute is added. This column field is dedicated to the color attribute.

For all products, the entry remains same.

Simple	Variable	Variation
Required - Color	Required - Color	Required - Color

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Attribute 2 Value

In this field, all values associated with Attribute 2 should be entered.

This is a required field for all rows - Simple, Variable, Variation

Simple	Variable	Variation
This will have a single entry (only 1 color)	Here all possible variation values to be entered	Enter only variation specific value

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Attribute 2 visible

Attribute to be visible means that it appears on the product page.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (Not visible)
• 1 = Yes (Visible)

This field is updated only for Simple and Variable rows. The value should always be "1"

Entry in CSV	As updated in Backend

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Attribute 2 global

Attribute to be global means that the attributes are available to choose from.

In the CSV file, only 2 values can be entered:

• 0 = No (Not visible)
• 1 = Yes (Visible)

This field is updated for all rows - Simple, Variable, Variation. The value should always be "1"

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Last update: May 3, 2021