Importing DataUpdated 2026-08-25

Prepare a Google Sheet

What this article helps you do

Use the Mapstore Google Sheets template to prepare and publish store data. Mapstore accepts the published CSV URL, not the sheet edit URL.

Before you start

  • You have a Google account.
  • You know the required name and address columns.
  • You use Google Sheets sync or a CSV URL import.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Open the template

In Stores -> Bulk, use the template link in the CSV upload help banner. The link opens a template with the correct columns.

2. Create a copy for your store

  1. Click Use template or Make a copy to create your own sheet.
  2. Give the sheet a clear name, such as “Mapstore Store Locations.”
  3. Enter your stores. name and address are required for each row.
  4. If necessary, add phone, email, website, description, and filter columns.

3. Publish the sheet to the web

  1. In Google Sheets, go to File -> Share -> Publish to web.
  2. Select the sheet or range (usually the first sheet).
  3. Set the format to Comma-separated values (.csv).
  4. Click Publish.
  5. Copy the URL that Google generates.

Important: Mapstore accepts only the published CSV export URL. It does not accept the sheet edit URL.

Correct Incorrect
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/.../pub?output=csv https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/.../edit
Has /pub in the path Has /edit in the path
Has output=csv as a query parameter No output=csv

If you enter an edit link, Mapstore shows “This looks like a Google Sheets edit link” and rejects the URL.

5. Add the URL in Mapstore

For Google Sheets sync:

  1. Enter the published CSV URL.
  2. Click Test sheet.
  3. Save the settings.
  4. Start the first sync.

For a CSV URL import:

  1. Enter the published CSV URL.
  2. Click Test CSV.
  3. Review the preview.
  4. Click Upload.

How to verify it worked

  1. Run sync or import in Mapstore.
  2. Check Stores.
  3. Make sure that you can see your locations.
  4. Change one value in the sheet.
  5. Start the sync again.
  6. Make sure that you can see the change in Mapstore.

Troubleshooting

Issue Fix
“This looks like a Google Sheets edit link” Use File -> Share -> Publish to web and select CSV. Copy that URL. Do not use the browser edit URL.
“Please enter a valid Google Sheets CSV export URL” Make sure that the URL has output=csv and the /pub path. Publish the sheet again if necessary.
Sync or import shows no stores Check that the sheet has name and address columns. Make sure that each row has values in the two columns.
Template is read-only Click Use template or Make a copy. Edit your copy.