---
title: "Importing Group Attributes"
slug: "import-group-attributes"
updated: 2026-01-09T14:36:00Z
published: 2026-01-09T14:36:59Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Importing Group Attributes

## Goal ​

To import group attributes into a group using an XML or CSV file.

---

## Prerequisite​s

Before importing group attributes, ensure the following:

1. **Existing Group**: The target group must already exist in Mapp Engage.
2. **File Format Requirements**:
  - The file should not exceed 1,000 attributes.
  - Attributes must use the `string` data type, with each value limited to 2,000 characters.
  - Null (empty) values are not permitted.
  - Attribute names are not case-sensitive (e.g., `customerID` and `Customerid` are treated as the same attribute).
3. **Separate Files**: Group attributes must be in a dedicated file separate from contact data imports.

---

## Import Configuration

When importing, you will need to specify the following details:

1. **File**: Enter the file path manually or select the file using the **Browse** button.
2. **File Type**: Choose between **CSV** or **XML**.
3. **Character Set**: Select the file's character encoding. Refer to [Character Encoding](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_encoding) for more information.
4. **Import Mode**: Choose how the imported attributes interact with existing attributes:
  - **Add**: Adds new attributes without modifying existing ones.
  - **Replace**: Replaces all existing attributes with the new ones.
  - **Delete**: Deletes existing attributes before importing the new ones.
  - **Add and Update**: Adds new attributes and updates any existing ones. Attributes not in the file remain unchanged.
  - **Update**: Updates existing attributes without adding new ones.
5. **Separator**: For CSV files, specify the delimiter. The default is a comma (,).

After configuration, click **Upload**. An email confirmation will be sent upon successful import.

**Note**: Selecting the correct character set is critical. If the wrong encoding is chosen, the imported data may be displayed incorrectly.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/554b9b98-6720-4d8b-9919-c7b203d72648/Images/Documentation/image(791).png)

---

### File Structure Requirements

#### XML File Format

An XML file must include the following components:

- **XML Declaration**: Specifies the XML version and character encoding.
- **Tags**: Each XML element must have a start tag (`<elementname>`) and an end tag (`</elementname>`).
- **Elements**: Use the following elements:
  - `<groupattributes>`: Wraps all attribute data. Include the XML namespace attribute (`xmlns="http://webservices.ecircle-ag.com/ecm"`).
  - `<groupattribute>`: Defines a single attribute.
    - `<name>`: Specifies the attribute name.

Note:
      - If a group attribute with that name exists in the group, Mapp Engage updates the value of the existing attribute.
      - If a group attribute with that name does not exist in the group, Mapp Engage creates a group attribute.
    - `<value>`: Specifies the attribute value.

**Example**

```xml
<groupattributes xmlns="http://webservices.ecircle-ag.com/ecm"> 
    <groupattribute> 
        <name>Flight</name>
        <value>Frankfurt - Paris €299</value> 
    </groupattribute> 
    <groupattribute> 
        <name>Hotel</name>
        <value>SuperFrenchLuxuryHotelChain</value>
    </groupattribute>
    <groupattribute> 
        <name>Destination</name> 
        <value>Explore Paris!</value>
    </groupattribute> 
</groupattributes>
```

---

#### CSV File Format

The CSV file header must include the following columns:

- `"group.PropertyName"`

Note:
  - If a group attribute with that name exists in the group, Mapp Engage updates the value of the existing attribute.
  - If a group attribute with that name does not exist in the group, Mapp Engage creates a group attribute.
- `"group.PropertyValue"`

**Example**

```json
"group.PropertyName","group.PropertyValue"
"Flight", "Frankfurt - Paris €299"
"Hotel", "SuperFrenchLuxuryHotelChain"
"Destination", "Paris"
```

---

## Procedure

1. Go to *Administration > Attributes > Group Attributes.*
2. Select the desired group*.*
3. Expand the **More Options** drop-down and click **Import**.
4. Upload the file using the file picker.
5. Select the file type (CSV or XML).
6. Specify the character set.
7. Choose the desired import mode.
8. (For CSV files) Enter the separator under **Advanced Options** (default: comma).
9. Click **Upload** to begin the import.
  - A report on the import will appear in the **Group Attributes** window.
  - Successfully imported attributes will be displayed.

## Related

- [Exporting Group Attributes](/export-group-attributes.md)