---
title: "CSV Bulk Import & Export"
description: "Import and export product limits in bulk via CSV. Set limits for hundreds of products at once."
contentType: "docs"
locale: "en"
localized: true
source: "https://orderrules.com/docs/guides/csv-bulk-import"
slug: "guides/csv-bulk-import"
---
## CSV Bulk Import & Export

Use CSV bulk import to set product limits across your entire catalog at once. Export existing rules, edit in a spreadsheet, and re-import — perfect for stores with hundreds of SKUs.

## How CSV Import Works

The CSV bulk import feature lets you configure product limits for multiple items in a single operation:

1. **Export your template** — Download a blank CSV template or export your existing rules as a starting point
2. **Fill in your data** — Add product handles, limit values, periods, and status in a spreadsheet
3. **Upload the file** — Drag and drop or select your CSV file in the OrderRules dashboard
4. **Review and confirm** — Preview the changes before applying them to your store

This approach is much faster than manually creating individual rules through the UI, especially for large catalogs.

## CSV File Format

Your CSV file must include the following columns. The order does not matter, but column headers are required.

| Column | Required | Description | Example |
|--------|----------|-------------|---------|
| product_handle | Yes | The product URL handle from your Shopify store | `blue-widget` |
| variant_id | No | Specific variant ID (leave blank to apply to all variants) | `12345678901234` |
| limit_type | Yes | Type of limit: `per_product`, `per_product_per_day`, `per_product_per_week`, or `per_product_per_month` | `per_product_per_day` |
| limit_value | Yes | Maximum quantity allowed | `5` |
| period | Yes | Time period for the limit: `all_time`, `daily`, `weekly`, or `monthly` | `daily` |
| status | Yes | Enable or disable the rule: `active` or `inactive` | `active` |

### Example CSV

```
product_handle,variant_id,limit_type,limit_value,period,status
blue-widget,,per_product_per_day,5,daily,active
red-gadget,12345678901234,per_product_per_week,10,weekly,active
premium-item,,per_product,1,all_time,active
seasonal-product,,per_product_per_month,3,monthly,inactive
```

## Exporting Current Rules

You can export your existing product limits at any time for backup, editing, or migration:

1. Go to **Product Limits** in the OrderRules dashboard
2. Click **Export Rules** (or **Export as CSV** if available)
3. Open the downloaded file in a spreadsheet application
4. Edit any values you need to change
5. Re-upload the file to apply updates

Exporting is useful for:
- Creating a backup of your configuration
- Making bulk edits to existing limits
- Reviewing all your rules at once
- Migrating rules to another store

## Common Use Cases

**B2B Catalogs with 500+ Products**  
Set different limits for hundreds of SKUs without touching the UI. Export, edit quantities in bulk, and re-import.

**Seasonal Limit Changes**  
Before a holiday season, export your rules, lower limits across all products, upload the changes, and set inactive rules to active.

**Migrating from Another App**  
If you're switching from another order limit app, create a CSV file with your existing limits and bulk-import them into OrderRules.

**Per-Variant Configuration**  
For products with multiple variants, include the `variant_id` column to set different limits for each size, color, or option.

## Troubleshooting

**File Format Errors**  
- Ensure your file is saved as `.csv` (comma-separated values)
- Verify all required columns are present with correct headers
- Check that product handles match your Shopify store exactly (case-sensitive)

**Missing Product Handles**  
- The `product_handle` must match the URL segment of your Shopify product page
- For a product at `mystore.myshopify.com/products/blue-widget`, the handle is `blue-widget`
- If a handle is not found, the row will be skipped with an error message

**Duplicate Entries**  
- If your CSV contains the same product handle multiple times with different limits, only the last row will be applied
- Remove duplicates before uploading

**Import Does Not Apply**  
- Verify the `status` column is set to `active` for rules you want to enable
- Check that `limit_value` is a valid number (no commas or special characters)
- Ensure the `period` value matches one of the allowed options: `all_time`, `daily`, `weekly`, `monthly`

## Plan Requirements

CSV bulk import requires the **Pro plan** ($9.99/month). The Starter (Free) plan does not include this feature.

If you need help with bulk imports or have questions about your plan, contact **support@orderrules.com**.