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Pre-import validation

Validate a CSV Before Importing It

Check encoding, delimiters, quotes, headers, field counts and destination rules before a production import.

Use the matching tool

CSV Validator

Open CSV Validator

What the error actually means

CSV validation has layers. Structural validation checks whether the file parses consistently; semantic validation checks types, required fields, accepted codes and unique keys. A file can pass one layer and fail the other.

Likely causes

  • Quotes or delimiters are malformed.
  • Headers are missing or duplicated.
  • Rows have inconsistent widths.
  • Values violate destination rules.

Layered validation

Problem

The file opens, therefore it is valid

Correct pattern

Confirm structure, then check the destination schema and business rules

A safe repair workflow

  1. 1Preserve the source file.
  2. 2Run structural validation.
  3. 3Apply destination-specific field rules.
  4. 4Import a small sample and reconcile results.

How to verify the result

A file that downloads successfully is not automatically a correct file. Check the result at both the structural and business-data levels:

  • Every row parses.
  • Headers are unique and expected.
  • Required values and keys pass.
  • The sample import accounts for all rows.

Read the deeper guides

Diagnose a Broken CSV Before You Try to Repair ItA methodical way to identify delimiter, encoding, header, quoting, row-shape, and type problems before a CSV reaches Excel, a CRM, or a database.How to Repair Broken CSV FilesCSV file won't open? Lines shifting? Quotes broken? Learn how to diagnose and repair corrupted CSV files.