How to Map Columns in Data Import
Understand Source, Destination, AI suggestions, and how to assign Followup CRM fields
Overview
When you upload a spreadsheet, Followup opens a mapping screen powered by Flatfile.
Source = your spreadsheet column. Destination = the Followup CRM field it should import into.
The top section shows AI suggestions. The rows below are your mappings, grouped by status.
Quick tip (most important)
If the screen feels unfamiliar, change the sort to Source field. That layout is closest to the old importer and is usually easier on first use. The tool remembers your last sort.
What the sections mean
| Area | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| AI suggestions | Flatfile’s best guess for how each spreadsheet column should map (especially useful for custom fields / first-time sheets) | Apply to accept, Dismiss to reject. You can Apply all / Dismiss all. |
| Exact | High-confidence match between source and destination | Leave as-is, or change/delete if wrong |
| Previously mapped | This column was mapped before (same sheet/fields remembered) | Confirm or change |
| Unmapped | Not mapped yet (often after a dismiss) | Click and assign a Followup destination field |
| Empty | A Followup destination exists, but no source column is linked | Link a source column, or leave blank if unused |
| Needs action | Items still requiring review before you can continue | Resolve each item (map, apply, or dismiss) |
How to map a column to a Followup field
- Find the spreadsheet column (Source).
- If it’s in AI suggestions, click Apply — or Dismiss if wrong.
- If it’s Unmapped, open the row and choose the correct Followup Destination field.
- For a custom field that doesn’t exist yet, type the name and create a new field (when available).
- Confirm the row shows Source → Destination mapped.
- Clear anything under Needs action.
- Continue the import.
Common confusion (from CS feedback)
- “I can’t change where it goes” — Open the mapping row and change the Destination field, or dismiss the AI suggestion first, then map from Unmapped.
- “These don’t look like Followup fields” — Destination values are Followup fields (standard + custom). Website, contract amount, etc. can appear there.
- Dismiss — Removes/hides the suggestion so you can map manually; it does not delete your spreadsheet column.
- AI suggestions appear strongly on the first upload of a sheet shape; later uploads often remember prior mappings.
Best practices
- Start by sorting Source field.
- Apply only suggestions you’re sure about; dismiss the rest and map manually.
- Map required Followup fields before submitting.
- Use consistent header names across imports so “Previously mapped” can help next time.
Result
Once every needed Source column has a Destination and Needs action is clear, you can submit the import and track it in Import History / Import Log.
Happy Selling!