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How to import data using Data Loader on Salesforce

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Data Loader is Salesforce's desktop application for bulk data import operations. You'll need to install the application, authenticate to your org, map CSV columns to Salesforce fields, and execute the import process.

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Prerequisites

  • Active Salesforce org with appropriate permissions
  • Data Loader application installed on your computer
  • CSV file with properly formatted data
  • Understanding of Salesforce object structure and field mappings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Download and Install Data Loader

Navigate to Setup in your Salesforce org, then go to Data > Data Loader. Click Download the Data Loader and install the application on your computer. Launch Data Loader after installation completes.
Data Loader requires Java to be installed on your system. Install the latest Java version if prompted.
2

Authenticate to Your Salesforce Org

In Data Loader, click Insert to start the import process. Enter your Salesforce username and password in the login dialog. For production orgs, use the default server URL. For sandboxes, change the server URL to https://test.salesforce.com. Click Log in to authenticate.
If using two-factor authentication, append your security token to your password when logging in.
3

Select Object and CSV File

From the Show all Salesforce objects dropdown, select the target object you want to import data into (e.g., Account, Contact, Lead). Click Next, then click Browse to select your CSV file containing the data to import. Click Next to proceed.
Ensure your CSV file has column headers that match or can be mapped to Salesforce field API names.
4

Map CSV Columns to Salesforce Fields

In the field mapping screen, drag CSV column names from the left panel to corresponding Salesforce fields on the right panel. Required fields must be mapped and will show with red asterisks. Use Auto-Match Fields to Columns for automatic mapping when column names match field API names. Click Next when mapping is complete.
Click on individual field mappings to verify data types match between your CSV and Salesforce fields.
5

Review and Configure Import Settings

Choose where to save the success and error files by clicking Browse next to each file path. Review the import summary showing total records and mapped fields. Check Use Bulk API for large datasets (over 10,000 records). Click Finish to start the import process.
Always specify meaningful names for success and error files to easily identify them later.
6

Monitor Import Progress

Data Loader will display a progress bar showing the import status. Once complete, you'll see a summary with the number of successful and failed records. Click View Errors to see detailed error information for any failed records. Click Close when finished reviewing results.
Save the error file to fix data issues and re-import failed records separately.
7

Verify Imported Data

Return to your Salesforce org and navigate to the object you imported data into. Use List Views or run reports to verify that your data imported correctly. Check field values, record counts, and any calculated fields that may have been affected by the import.
Create a temporary list view filtered by creation date to easily identify and review newly imported records.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Login failed with 'Invalid username, password, security token' error

Verify your username and password are correct. If using two-factor authentication, append your security token to your password. For sandbox orgs, ensure you're using https://test.salesforce.com as the server URL.

Records failing with 'Required field missing' errors

Check that all required fields for the object are mapped in your field mapping. Review the error file to identify which required fields are missing values, then update your CSV file with the necessary data.

Data Loader running very slowly or timing out

Enable Use Bulk API for large datasets. Reduce batch size in Settings > Batch size to 200 or lower. Split large files into smaller chunks if you continue experiencing timeouts.

Field mapping not working or showing incorrect field types

Verify your CSV column headers match Salesforce field API names exactly (case-sensitive). Check that data in your CSV matches the expected field types in Salesforce. Use Clear Map and manually map fields if auto-mapping fails.

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