Import Contact List

Importing a contact list allows you to upload contact information from a CSV / Excel file directly into BrightArrow. This is a great way to upload mass contact information instead of just doing it one-by-one. This is great to use when you have a special list of recipients that you want to create a separate list for to send messages to.  Note: This method should only be used for basic/static lists. Contacts imported using this method will not update with your nightly sync. To upload a spreadsheet that syncs to your lists, see Syncing with Google Spreadsheets

Note: It is important that the format of the data in the file is consistent from row to row.  All phone numbers and names should be formatted the same, and in the same column, etc., like in the example below: 

Notice that column A is all first names, column B is all last names, column C is the student ID number, etc. 

Your columns do NOT have to be laid out in the same order as shown. Each data point must be contained in the corresponding column for BrightArrow to recognize it (all first names must be in the same column as other first names; all last names must be in the same column as other last names). Each data point needs to be separated in it's own column (phone #1 must be in a different column than phone #2). 

1. Create a New List or open an existing list

2. Click Import / Export

3. Select Choose File

• "Clear list before import" remains checked by default. If you are importing to an existing list and want to retain the existing contacts, be sure to uncheck this box.  
• "Replace only entries found with matching Contact ID" can be used if your spreadsheet has a column with Contact IDs in it. This option can help avoid having duplicate contacts in your list. With this option selected, any contacts that are already in your list will be replaced only if they are in your spreadsheet with a matching contact ID. Contacts that are already in your list that do not have a matching contact ID in your spreadsheet will remain in the list. Contacts in your spreadsheet that do not have a matching contact ID to someone who is already in the list will be added to the list. 
• If you have information entered for your existing contacts such as custom fields or have voice only or text only enabled, you can use the "Keep old settings for updated contacts (keep unchecked if adding new contacts)" option in conjunction with the "Replace only entries found with matching Contact ID" option. Note that this option should only be used if you are uploading a spreadsheet to update information for contacts that are already in the list. If you are adding any new contacts to the list, leave this box unchecked. With the "Keep old settings for updated contacts (keep unchecked if adding new contacts)" box checked, when you upload the updated contact information, all existing settings for each contact will be kept. 

4. Once you've added your file, select Import File

5. Check the data populated and adjust the column mappings if needed.

a. If BrightArrow does not recognize a field, you will see "Not Used" with a drop-down arrow. Click the drop-down to specify how the field will be mapped. 

6. Click Accept and Proceed

You now have all your contacts imported onto this list for you to use.