---
title: Import payroll data for ChartHop Basic
slug: import-payroll-data-for-charthop-basic
docTags: 
createdAt: 2021-12-13T17:59:13.000Z
---

If you have ChartHop Basic and need to import payroll data from a system that is not supported by a ChartHop Basic app, you can export your payroll to a spreadsheet and then import the spreadsheet to ChartHop. Ensure that the data in your file conforms to ChartHop's [formatting requirements](https://docs.charthop.com/importing-spreadsheet-data#nx3C6). 

## Exporting data from a payroll system

When you export payroll data from your system, the spreadsheet file should: 

- Be in CSV or XLSX format.
- Be UTF-8 encoded.
- Have fewer than 1000 records.

At a minimum, the file should contain the following columns:

- **Work email** (As the first column)
- **First name**
- **Last name**
- **Job title**
- **Manager**
- **Start date**

[View and download an example spreadsheet.](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i-nl6PowdpD9ocTbCjp5MGkiS6gzW08d_NdrGl3Qt3Q/edit#gid=818787148)

:::hint{type="warning"}
Typically, we recommend you use work email addresses to identify employees when you import. However, you can use **System ID** as your first column and then list payroll system identifiers such as `ADP ID`, `Bamboo ID`, or `Job ID` in that column. If you do so, ensure that you provide a corresponding identifier for the person's manager (for example, if the first column is `ADP ID`, provide the manager's `ADP ID` in the **Manager** column).
:::

## Import your data to ChartHop

To import your data to ChartHop, complete the following steps:

1. On ChartHop's main screen, under **Upload a spreadsheet**, select **Excel** or **CSV**. 
   1. OR if you have already implemented some data
      1. On the left sidebar, select **Admin**.
      2. From the sub-menu, select **Import Spreadsheet Data**.
2. Under **Upload your spreadsheet**, drag and drop the file to import.
3. Select **Next step**. 
   ChartHop attempts to match each column with a ChartHop field. For example, a column titled `fname` is identified as `first name`. 
4. If necessary, under **Column in your spreadsheet**, match any unmatched columns (highlighted in red) with the appropriate ChartHop field. Note that selecting **None of these** for a required field will generate an error. 
5. Under **Date format**, select the date format for dates in the file. 
6. Select **Looks good!** to proceed to the next section. 
7. Under **Add required info and tidy up your data**, fix any errors (highlighted in red), such as improperly formatted dates or email addresses. See the following section for a reference of common errors.  
8. Select **Looks good!** to proceed to the next section. 
9. Under **Help us understand your org structure**, select the head(s) of your organization. 
10. If necessary, under **Identify managers**, select any missing managers (highlighted in red). 
11. Click **Looks good!** to start creating your ChartHop organization. 
    A progress bar is displayed, but you can close the window without interrupting org creation. You receive an email when your ChartHop organization is created. 

![Org Chart](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/CXAjUAezd9VEEVQBIYmdw/SxMD30yYMNs7oZVNJ-HXW_org-chart.jpg)

### Importing Images

We recommend connecting the [Slack](docId\:QSduVgxe4FMcnAHbrlXen) app or your payroll/HRIS to import images, but if needed, you may upload them via a spreadsheet:

You can add profile pictures for your employees by uploading image links to the picture you want to associate with the employee. Add these links to the **Image** column. ChartHop will resize images and add them to individual's profiles. When uploading images, note the following: 

- You should host images on a publicly available server with no login required.
- You can upload images with the .jpeg, .jpg, .png, and .gif file types. 

### Common column errors

The following table contains column errors you may encounter while setting up your ChartHop organization:

| **Error**                      | **How to resolve...**                                                                                     |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Invalid email format           | Use a valid email format for **Work email** and **Manager**, such as `steven.jones@charthop.com`.         |
| Invalid date format            | Use a valid date format for **Start date** that matches the one you selected, such as `m/d/yyyy`.         |
| Email addresses are not unique | Ensure that each person has a unique email address.                                                       |
| Missing required field         | Include **Work email**, **First name**, **Last name**, **Job title**, and **Start date** for each person. |

:::hint{type="info"}
Basic | HRIS | Engagement | Goals | Performance | Compensation Reviews | Headcount Planning
:::

:::hint{type="info"}
[Roles](https://docs.charthop.com/user-roles-and-permissions): Owner
:::

##