Summary: This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of using the Import People feature, detailing how to download and format the CSV template, correctly handle preloaded data, and structure all key profile fields—including names, family IDs, phone numbers, and custom fields—for a smooth and accurate bulk import process.
Before You Begin
- The purpose is to efficiently add multiple profiles at once or update existing records.
- Crucial Formatting: All Column Headers must remain in place.
- Deleting Rows: To remove unwanted preloaded sample data, you must Right Click and Select Delete on the rows (do NOT just use the keyboard delete/backspace key, as this leaves blank cells that cause errors).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Navigate to the User and Organization Settings.
2. Select Bulk Tasks.
3. Select Import People.
4. Download the template file and Remove the sample data correctly (Right Click → Delete).
5. Populate the template with your people data, following the formatting rules below.
6. Save your data as a CSV file to your computer.
7. Select the Import People File option → Click to Browse for File.
8. Select your CSV file and Click Import Now. [Your import will start immediately.]
Understanding and Formatting Fields
| Field | Formatting Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name Fields | String (First, Middle, Last, Nickname, Maiden) | First and Last Name are typically used by the system for reference, but the core identifier is the Family ID. |
| Age | mm/dd/yyyy | Stores the birth date. Use mm/dd/0000 if only month/day are known. |
| Mobile/Home/Work | String (Flexible format) | Mobile is the field the SMS texting feature uses. |
| String. Commas (,) for listing multiple emails. | Emails will be linked to the profile. | |
| Family ID | Any value (String or Integer) | Links people in the same family. If a person is the only one in that family, it will be ignored. |
| Family Role | "Head of Household", "Spouse", "Adult", "Child" | Used for directory/statement sorting. |
| Grade | yyyy (Graduation Year) | Tithely automatically computes the grade based on the graduation year. |
| Street Address | String. Use <br> (no space before) to indicate a second line. | Example: 123 Street<br>Unit 45 |
| Custom Checkbox | Separate multiple selected options with a semicolon (;). | Example: Leadership;Teaching |
| Custom Dropdown/Multi-Choice | Text must exactly match an option in Tithely. | If the option doesn't exist, it will be created automatically. |
| Notes (generic) | String | This field cannot be filtered after import. |
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- Why did I have to delete the preloaded rows by right-clicking? Simply using the delete key only clears the cell values, but leaves the rows (and invisible data) intact, which can cause the import to fail. Right-clicking and selecting Delete removes the entire row.
- How does the system link family members? It looks for matching Family IDs. Any person with the same Family ID is grouped into the same family.
- My mobile phone numbers didn't import correctly for SMS: Ensure your phone numbers include the country code in the ISO 3166 format (this is not shown in the field example but is usually required for the SMS system).
- If a cell is left blank, what happens? No information will be uploaded to the person's profile for that particular profile field; existing data will be retained.