Choose between manual entry, CSV upload, and Google Sheets sync

What this article helps you do

Decide whether to add stores manually, import from CSV (file or URL), or sync from Google Sheets based on how many locations you have and how often they change.

Before you start

• Mapstore is installed
• You have a rough idea of how many stores you need and how often you’ll update them

Step-by-step instructions

1. Manual entry

Best for: Few stores (e.g. under 20) or locations that rarely change.

• Add and edit stores one by one in Stores.
• Full control over each field.
• No setup beyond creating the store and filling in details.

When to use: You have a small number of locations and prefer editing in the app.

2. CSV file upload

Best for: One-time or occasional bulk imports from a file on your computer.

• Go to Stores -> Bulk and choose Upload a CSV file.
• Upload your CSV; required columns are name and address.
• Suitable for up to about 1,000 rows for immediate processing; larger files run in the background.
• Use Replace existing stores to do a full replacement when needed.

When to use: You have a CSV export from another system or a spreadsheet you save as CSV periodically.

3. CSV URL import

Best for: CSV hosted online that you want to import on demand.

• Go to Stores -> Bulk and choose Import from a CSV URL.
• Paste the URL to a CSV file (or a published Google Sheets CSV export).
• Same column requirements as file upload.
• Useful when your data lives in a shared file or cloud storage.

When to use: Your CSV is at a URL and you prefer not to download and re-upload.

4. Google Sheets sync

Best for: Ongoing updates without re-uploading. Your team edits a sheet; Mapstore syncs on a schedule.

• Go to Stores -> Bulk and find the Google Sheets sync section.
• Paste the published CSV URL (from File -> Share -> Publish to web, with output=csv).
• Do not use the edit link (URLs with /edit will not work).
• Turn on sync and run an initial sync to import stores.
• Future edits in the sheet are synced automatically (typically daily).

When to use: Multiple people update store data and you want it to stay in sync without manual imports.

How to verify it worked

• After choosing a method, add or import stores and check they appear under Stores.
• For Google Sheets, run a manual sync and confirm stores match the sheet.

Common issues and fixes

Related articles

• Import stores from a CSV file
• Import stores from a CSV URL
• Syncing store locations from Google Sheets
• Use the Google Sheets template and publish it correctly