> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.openletterconnect.com/olc-help-docs/getting-started/setting-up-your-account/importing-contacts.md).

# Importing Contacts

### **Preparing Your CSV File**

OLC supports **CSV files only**.\
Use this [Sample CSV Template](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xOPlzne4njrFOqerT5EDXrfvxc_DM63KxnOa3Af6EQ8/edit?usp=sharing) to get started.

**Required Columns:**

* `first_name`
* `last_name`
* `mailing_address_1`
* `mailing_city`
* `mailing_state`
* `mailing_zip_code`

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** *If a contact is imported without a First Name and without a Company Name, Open Letter Connect will automatically populate the First Name field with "<mark style="color:$primary;">**Current Resident**</mark>".*

*This allows the contact to be imported successfully and ensures there is a valid recipient name available for mailing purposes.*
{% endhint %}

**Optional Columns:**

* `company`
* `mailing_address_2`
* `contact_phone_number`
* `tags` (for categorizing your contacts)

> 📌 **Pro Tip:**\
> Include as many fields as possible for **personalization** in your templates (e.g., names, addresses, tags).

### **Step-by-Step: Importing Contacts**

1. **Navigate to Contacts:**\
   Go to **Contacts** from your dashboard menu.
2. **Click “Import Contacts”:**
   * Upload your **CSV file**.
   * OLC will automatically clean your list by **removing duplicate entries** based on addresses.
3. **Map Your Fields:**\
   Match your **CSV columns** to OLC’s **merge fields**.

   * Required fields must be matched (marked with \*).
   * **Custom fields** and **tags** are supported and will show in the dropdown.

   <figure><img src="/files/g521qBIYYZgIHBTVEJP2" alt="" width="431"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. **Process CSV:**\
   Once all required fields are mapped, click **“Process CSV”**.

### **Common Issues & Best Practices**

| Issue                     | Cause                                           | Solution                                                                                                                                           |
| ------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| File rejected             | Missing required fields or invalid data         | Use the [Sample CSV Templat](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xOPlzne4njrFOqerT5EDXrfvxc_DM63KxnOa3Af6EQ8/edit?usp=sharing)e for formatting |
| Duplicate entries removed | Same address or contact uploaded multiple times | Deduplication is automatic—no manual action needed                                                                                                 |
| Tags not applied          | Tags column not mapped or missing in CSV        | Ensure a `tags` column exists and is mapped correctly                                                                                              |

### 💡 **Best Practices:**

* **Clean your list** before uploading (ensure valid addresses).
* Use **descriptive tags** (e.g., “Spring 2025 Campaign”) to manage contacts across campaigns.
* **Preview merge fields** in your templates to verify personalization before mailing.