Watch a video: Data Import: Best Practices for Importing Data
This article provides an overview of the available tools in Salesforce for mass updating records, including List Views, the Mass Transfer Records Tool, the Data Import Wizard, and Data Loader (Application Programming Interface tool). Selecting the right tool depends on the number of records and the type of objects involved.
There are several methods available for mass updating records in Salesforce.
If you are updating large numbers of records, please review Choosing a Method for Importing Data to determine which tool is best for your scenario.
When importing versus updating the overall process is similar. The primary difference is that, in order to update, your file will need to contain unique data that will allow you to match the records in your file against existing records in Salesforce. While importing and updating are not exactly the same, it is important to understand the fundamentals of importing data into Salesforce.
If you're new to importing or updating data in Salesforce, please review the following resources before you get started:
Warning: Always back up your data before performing any data operation. It is recommended to run a test with a small subset of records first to verify results. See Export Backup Data from Salesforce or Export Data for more details.
The most important part of updating your existing records via either tool is to ensure that you take the time to properly prepare your update file with matching criteria or data.
The best way prepare your file, and to ensure that you are updating the correct data in Salesforce, is to include existing Salesforce.com record IDs in your update file. See Add Salesforce IDs of existing records to your import file for more details.
Once your file contains both your existing record's IDs, along with any fields and their values you desire to update, you are ready to proceed!
Mass update email addresses and usernames
Mass transfer records with Data Loader
Mass update record types with Data Loader
Prepare a CSV file for an import or update in Salesforce
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