> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tented.ai/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Importing Contacts via CSV > Bring your whole contact list into Tented with a CSV import ## Before you import Any CSV with a header row works. A typical file looks like this: ```csv theme={null} email,first_name,last_name,company,job_title diego.ramirez@northwindsupply.com,Diego,Ramirez,Northwind Supply,VP of Marketing priya.patel@brightlabs.co,Priya,Patel,Bright Labs,Demand Gen Manager ``` A few things that make imports smooth: * Every contact needs an **email or phone number** — rows without one can't be created. * Column names don't need to match Tented's field names exactly; you'll get a mapping step. * Columns can map to [custom fields](/people/contact-fields) too — and you can even create new custom fields during the import. ## Step 1: Upload your file Go to **People > Add > Import from CSV** and drag your file in (or click to browse). A screenshot of the Import CSV tab with a drag-and-drop area for the CSV file. ## Step 2: Map your columns Tented reads your header row and auto-maps each CSV column to a contact field. For each column you can: * **Change the target field** — any [standard or custom field](/people/contact-fields) * **Choose the overwrite behavior** — if a contact already exists (matched by email), decide whether the imported value should **overwrite** a field that's already filled or leave it alone A screenshot of the Configure Import screen showing CSV columns auto-mapped to Tented fields with per-column overwrite settings. Imports **update** existing contacts rather than creating duplicates — a row whose email matches an existing contact updates that contact according to your overwrite settings. ## Step 3: Start the import Click **Start Import** and watch rows process in real time. When it finishes you get a full report: * **Created / Updated / Skipped / Failed** counts, with a filterable row-by-row breakdown * A **reason** for every skipped or failed row * **Export CSV** to download the results for your records A screenshot of a completed import showing 6 rows created and a row results table with statuses. ## Reviewing past imports The **Past Imports** tab in the Add People dialog keeps a history of every import — handy when you're trying to work out where a contact came from. Each contact's [Activities timeline](/people/managing-contacts#viewing-a-contact) also records "Person Created — Source: List Import." ## What's next? Turn your imported contacts into targeted audiences. Add custom fields so your CSV columns have a proper home.