WP All Import Pro: Map External Files into WordPress

Import documents into WordPress

WP All Import Pro is a paid upgrade for importing XML, CSV, Excel, and Google Sheets data into WordPress. Its four-step process and drag-and-drop interface let you map incoming data to WordPress fields without requiring a particular source-file layout. It can support migrations from a legacy CMS, affiliate data feeds, and sites that display changing information such as stock quotes, sports scores, or real estate listings.

Map fields across file formats

CSV imports use the same general process as XML imports because WP All Import converts CSV data to XML internally. That also makes XPath filtering available for CSV files. Column names can vary, and the import process lets you map each column to the appropriate WordPress field. Excel files are detected when uploaded. For Google Sheets, use the download-a-file option with the sheet's public URL.

The Pro upgrade includes mapping to custom fields used by themes and custom post types. For CSV files, you can set a delimiter other than a comma. If special characters cause import problems, the source CSV should use UTF-8 encoding.

Import pictures and external files

WP All Import Pro can download images from URLs in XML or CSV data and add them to the post media gallery. It can also download CSV, XML, or Excel import files from external websites, including sources protected by HTTP authentication.

Schedule updates to imported entries

With a recurring import configured through cron jobs, WP All Import Pro can periodically check an external file for changes. The import can add new posts, edit existing imported posts, and delete posts according to updates in the source data.

Connect custom functions and export workflows

Custom PHP functions can process imported data through expressions such as [my_function({xpath/to/a/field[1]})]. The add-on also integrates with WP All Export: export WordPress data, edit it in a spreadsheet application, then re-import it to the same website or move it to another WordPress website. WooCommerce XML and CSV imports use a separate add-on.

Configure and run an import

Install WP All Import Pro on the WordPress site receiving the data. Choose the XML, CSV, Excel, or Google Sheets source, follow the four-step import process, and map incoming fields with the drag-and-drop interface. Configure any needed custom fields, picture or external-file downloads, recurring schedule, or PHP functions before running the import. The Pro edition includes premium email technical support from the developers.