Importing & Updating Metafield Data

Quick Start

The fastest way to get started importing metafield data using Custom Fields is to begin with an export or download a sample file from the app. Either method provides a properly formatted CSV file, saving time and preventing errors.

Start with an Export

Before exporting, ensure that you have metafields configured and at least one object (product, customer, order, etc.) containing data in each field.

In the app:

  1. From the left sidebar, select the object type you want to export (for example, Products).
  2. Click Export.

You’ll now see the Export Product Fields screen, where you can configure your export.

Export Type

Select one of the following export types:

  • Standard Export – Export product data in standard metafield format.
  • Google Shopping Export – Export products and data specific to Google Shopping values.
  • eBay Export – Export data formatted for eBay listings.

Example: The selected export type changes the available filter options. See screenshots below for reference.

Screenshot: Standard Export

Standard Export Screenshot

Screenshot: Google Shopping Export

Google Shopping Export Screenshot

Screenshot: eBay Export

eBay Export Screenshot

Data Format

  • Include Product Variants – Include all product variants in the export file.
  • Export as Flat Data – Generates a single row per data point, ideal for complex data such as widgets or JSON.

Filters

Use filters to narrow down your export results:

  • Google Shopping Categories (Google Shopping Export only) – Export products belonging to selected Shopping categories.
  • eBay Market (eBay Export only) – Select which eBay market’s data to include in the export.
  • Title – Filter products by title keywords.
  • Tag – Filter products by tag.
  • Vendor – Limit exports to a specific vendor.
  • Type – Filter by product type.
  • Updated After – Include only products updated after the specified date.
  • Created After – Include only products created after the specified date.

Include Additional Product Data

Select any extra columns to include in the export:

  • ID
  • Vendor
  • Type
  • Published
  • Body (HTML)
  • Tags

Export Notification

Enter an email address in the Notification Email field to receive a confirmation once your export is complete.

Export File

Click Export to CSV to generate and download your file. The app will create your export and display a link once the CSV file is ready.

Start with a Sample CSV File

In the app:

  1. In the left sidebar, click Import under the object type (for example, Products).
  2. Click Help in the content area.
  3. Select Download Sample CSV File.

Note: Object IDs in sample data are placeholders, but column names are properly formatted and ready for import.

Running an Import

In the app:

  1. From the left sidebar, click Import under the desired object type (for example, Products).
  2. Upload your prepared CSV file with updated data.

Deleting Metafield Values

To delete existing metafield content, use DELETE (in all caps) as the cell value in your CSV file. Blank cells are ignored and do not remove existing data.

This App Updates Metafields Only

Export files may include columns such as Order Name or Product Title, but Custom Fields only imports or updates metafield data.

Supported Objects & Data Types

Shopify Objects
The app supports importing metafield data into:

  • Products
  • Pages
  • Blog Posts / Articles
  • Orders
  • Draft Orders
  • Customers

Data Types

  • Legacy Types: string, integer, json
  • New Types: boolean, color, date, date_time, dimension, file_reference, json, multi_line_text_field, number_decimal, number_integer, page_reference, rating, single_line_text_field, url, variant_reference, volume, weight
  • Custom Fields App Types: Widget data, Advanced field types

Defined & Undefined Fields

The app automatically syncs field configurations for metafield Definitions that exist in your Shopify store. These definitions are recognized by the importer.

App Configured & Unconfigured Fields

You can import data for metafields even if they aren’t configured in the app. As long as the column header follows the proper naming syntax, data will be imported successfully.

Formatting Metafield Column Names

Use the following format for column names:

namespace["key"]:metafield_type

Example: custom_fields["my_text"]:string

For lists: custom_fields["my_reference"]:list.product_reference
For widgets: custom_fields["my_widget"]:json_string

For more details, refer to Shopify’s documentation:https://shopify.dev/apps/metafields/types#supported-types

Creating Your Own Import File (Standard Format)

Each supported Shopify object has different requirements.

Product Metafields

  • Title – Used to determine if the item is a product or variant. The value itself is ignored.
  • Identifier – Use Handle or ID:
    • Handle – Looks up the product ID. Slower.
    • ID – Fastest and most reliable.
  • Metafield Columns – Use namespace and key with type. Example: custom_fields["my_text"]:string

Other Metafields

  • Blog Posts
  • Orders
  • Draft Orders
  • Customers

These require:

  • ID – The unique identifier (e.g., Page ID).
  • Metafield Columns – Namespace, key, and type (e.g., custom_fields["my_text"]:string).

Improving Import Speed

Shopify limits API calls to two per second per store. Import speed depends on the amount of metafield data in your file.

To improve speed:

  • Limit the number of metafield columns and objects in the import file.
  • Use Product IDs instead of Handles for product metafields.

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