How can I upload a .CSV file to an existing list?

Add a CSV to an existing SendFox list from Audience → Lists: open the list’s ⋮ menu, choose Import contacts, then Upload a file. It works on every SendFox plan.

How do I add a CSV to an existing list?

Importing into an existing list works on every plan (Free, Lifetime and Pro). Only contacts who are new to your account count toward your plan’s contact limit.

1. From the top nav, open Audience → Lists.
2. Open the ⋮ menu on the list you want to add contacts to and choose Import contacts.
3. Choose Upload a file (Import contacts from a CSV file) and select your .csv file.
4. Map the columns if prompted — one column must be mapped to Email — and confirm. The contacts are added to that list.

SendFox keeps one contact per email address, so you won’t get duplicates. People already in your account are added to the list; their first and last name are updated when your file has those columns, and so are any custom fields you map. Their subscription status never changes. More in does SendFox create duplicate contacts when I upload a list?

Coming from another tool? Kit and Google imports can go into an existing list too — see the FAQ below.

How do I tag everyone in the upload?

Use the Tag them on import panel during the upload to put a tag on every contact in the file — existing tags or new ones you type there. Handy when you are topping up a list and want to remember where this particular batch came from. Contacts already in your account get the tag too.

What should my CSV look like?

Your file needs an email column, plus optional first name and last name columns. One file can hold up to 100,000 rows. See how to format your CSV.

Troubleshooting

Contacts went to the wrong list

• Make sure you opened the correct list before importing. You can also manage list membership from the contact’s record.

My CSV was refused because of my contact limit

• SendFox checks the file before importing. If it would take you past your plan’s contact limit, you see “This CSV would add … new contacts and exceed your …-contact limit. Upgrade your plan to import more contacts.” Only new contacts count. If your account is already over its limit, Import contacts takes you to your billing page instead.

SendFox says it couldn’t find an email column

• You see “We couldn’t find an email column in your file. Map one of your columns to Email and try again.” Map the column that holds the addresses to Email. Rows without a valid email address are skipped.

SendFox says “No contacts were imported”

• Everyone in the file is already on that list, so there was no one new to add. Their names and mapped custom fields are still updated.

Still stuck? Search the Help Center or email support@sendfox.com with the list name, how many rows your file has and the exact message you saw.

Frequently asked questions

Will uploading again create duplicates?

No — contacts are matched by email, so re-uploading updates their names and mapped custom fields instead of duplicating them. It doesn’t resubscribe anyone who unsubscribed.

Can I import Google or Kit contacts into an existing list too?

Yes. Start from Audience → Contacts → Import contacts, choose Import contacts from Google or Import contacts from Kit, then Select an existing list instead of creating a new one. Pick the list, then choose Confirm and Import.

What if I want a brand-new list instead?

Create the list first, then upload into it — see how to create a list and upload contacts.