1. Introduction
Product file import is a feature that allows you to add products in bulk to your Data Octopus project by loading an XML file containing product data.
When to use product file import:
You want to add multiple products at once
You have a product catalog in XML format
You are importing data from Google Merchant Center
2. File Requirements
File Format
The product file must meet the following requirements:
✅ Format: XML
✅ Compatibility: Format compatible with Google Merchant Center (in XML files that have different column naming than Google Merchant Center documentation, you need to manually add a data schema)
✅ Encoding: UTF-8 (recommended)
Required Columns (Google Merchant Center compatible)
The XML file must contain standard column names used by Google Merchant Center:
id- unique product identifiertitle- product namedescription- product descriptionlink- product linkimage_link- main image linkprice- product priceavailability- availability (in stock, out of stock, preorder)brand- product brandcondition- product condition (new, used, refurbished)google_product_category- Google category
💡 Tip: You can find the complete list of available attributes in the Google Merchant Center documentation.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Access Import Function
Log in to the application and go to the main screen
Click on the selected store to which you want to import products
In the store menu, find and click the "Imports" section
Step 2: Starting the Import Process
In the "Imports" section, find the "Add Data" option
From the available options, select "Product Feed"
In the "Import URL" field, paste the full URL address to your XML file
⚠️ Note: The URL must point directly to the XML file and be publicly accessible (unless you use authorization - see section 5).
Step 3: Choosing Processing Options
Check if the column names in your file are compatible with Google Merchant Center format
If YES - go to step 8
If NO - go to the "Schema Configuration" section (point 4)
4. Schema Configuration (Schema Options)
When to use schema builder
Schema builder is needed when:
Your XML file has custom column names
Column names are not compatible with Google Merchant Center standard
You want to map your own fields to standard attributes
Schema Configuration Instructions
In the "Schema Options" section, click "Add Schema with Builder"
For each column in your XML file, specify:
Column name: Enter the exact column name from your XML file
Data type: Choose the appropriate data type:
string- for text (titles, descriptions)integer- for whole numbersfloat- for decimal numbersboolean- for yes/no valuesdate- for dates
Repeat mapping for all needed columns
💡 Tip: You don't need to map all columns - only those you want to import.
5. Protected File Authorization
When authorization is needed
If your XML file is password protected or requires authentication, configure access in the "Security" section.
Authorization Configuration
In the "Security" section, enter authentication credentials:
User Login: Your username
Password: Your file access password
⚠️ Note: Login credentials are stored securely and used only to download the file.
6. Import Finalization
Final Steps
Check all settings:
XML file URL
Schema configuration (if used)
Authorization data (if needed)
Start import:
Click the "Import File" button
The import process will begin
Process monitoring:
System will display import status
Processing time depends on file size
You will receive notification when process completes
7. Troubleshooting
Common Errors and Solutions
Diagnostic Steps
Check file URL - open the link in browser
Check column names - compare with Google Merchant Center requirements
⚠️ Note: If the problem persists, contact technical support, including error details.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What file formats are supported? A: Currently only XML format compatible with Google Merchant Center standard is supported.
Q: Can I import products from different categories simultaneously? A: Yes, you can include products from different categories in one XML file.
Q: How long does the import process take?
A: Time depends on the number of products. Usually: up to 20,000 products - few minutes, 20,000+ products - up to 15 minutes.
Q: What are the file size limits?
A: File size limit is not fixed, but for files containing more than 1.5 million products, you should contact Data Octopus support team.