Using the dashboard, you can either import a file or connect Algolia to a file on your servers. File importing can be helpful when you’re just starting with Algolia and want to test it with sample data. However, you can’t use the dashboard to update existing data. To synchronize or update such data, use an alternative method.
In the dashboard, you can upload files up to 100 MB. For larger files, consider using the API, CLI, or the CSV no-code connector instead.

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Import files

Algolia uses JSON to model records and can import JSON, CSV, and TSV files:
json
[
  {
    "firstname": "Jimmie",
    "lastname": "Barninger"
  },
  {
    "firstname": "Warren",
    "lastname": "Speach"
  }
]
csv
firstname,lastname
Jimmie,Barninger
Warren,Speach
tsv
"firstname" "lastname"
"Jimmie"    "Barninger"
"Warren"    "Speach"

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Create a new index

To create a new index to import your file data into:
  1. Go to the Indices tab in the Algolia dashboard and click New > Index.
  2. Give your index a name and click Create.

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Upload the file

To add records to a new index, click Upload records > Upload file to import your file. To add records to an existing index:
  1. Click Add records > Upload file.
  2. Drop the file into the Upload records box or select it on your file system. Then, click Upload.
  3. Once Algolia has indexed your data, the dashboard will notify you of a successful save.