Importing Data
Updated 2026-02-22
Syncing store locations from Google Sheets
What this article helps you do
Connect a Google Sheet to Mapstore so your store locations stay in sync automatically. When you update the sheet, Mapstore syncs the changes on a schedule.
Before you start
- Create a Google Sheet with your store data
- Use the same column structure as a CSV import: name and address are required
- Your sheet must be published to the web as a CSV export
Step-by-step instructions
1. Format your Google Sheet
Set up columns like a CSV file: include name and address as column headers, plus any optional columns (phone, email, website, description, filters, etc.).
2. Publish the sheet to the web
- In Google Sheets, go to File -> Share -> Publish to web.
- Choose the sheet or range you want (usually the first sheet).
- Set the format to Comma-separated values (.csv).
- Click Publish.
- Copy the generated URL.
3. Use the published CSV URL, not the edit link
The URL must be the published CSV export link, not the normal edit link. A valid URL:
- Is from
docs.google.com - Includes
/pubin the path (published format) - Ends with
output=csvas a query parameter
Correct example:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/.../pub?output=csv
Incorrect example:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/.../edit - This is an edit link and will not work.
4. Add the URL in Mapstore
- In Mapstore, go to Stores and open Bulk.
- Find the Google Sheets sync section.
- Paste the published CSV URL into the URL field.
- Turn on sync.
- Click to run an initial sync so your stores are imported.
How to verify it worked
- After the first sync, check Stores - your locations should appear.
- Make a small change in the sheet (e.g. edit a phone number) and run sync again.
- Confirm the change shows up in Mapstore.
Common issues and fixes
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| ”This looks like a Google Sheets edit link” | Use the published CSV export URL from File -> Share -> Publish to web, not the URL from your browser when editing. |
| ”Please enter a valid Google Sheets CSV export URL” | Ensure the URL has output=csv and uses the published (/pub) format. Re-publish if needed. |
| Sync runs but no stores appear | Check that the sheet has name and address columns and that rows have values in both. |
| Sync fails or times out | Verify the sheet is shared publicly (or at least viewable by anyone with the link) and the URL is correct. |
Related articles
- Preparing a CSV file for store import - Column format for your sheet
- Import stores from a CSV file - One-time CSV upload
- Use the Google Sheets template and publish it correctly - Template and publish steps
- Google Sheets URL is invalid or not syncing - Troubleshooting sync problems