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

# How do I import data from a previous survey tool?

> Raw data

#### **Step-by-Step Process for Importing Raw Data**

### **1. Setup account**

* Create a new survey using the questions and answer options used in the survey you want to import the data from
* Create all questions and answer options that you want to import later on
* Create employee attributes that you want to import e.g. Department. You do not need to create the attribute values. Those will be imported

### **2. Prepare Your Data File**

* Download the [Excel template ](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xgFksABhT8OhqgtM3V-5aV5iFzzpuoR0ehISh1AaeM0/export?format=xlsx)from the import page.

* Ensure the **Date** is in the first column.

* Make sure the date is formated as DD.MM.YY (e.g. 07.07.25)

* Add **survey questions** as column headers (must match the survey wording exactly).

* Prefix employee attributes with `attribute:` — e.g., `attribute:Department`.

* Keep in mind to insert the question values as follows:
  * For ranked single select questions: 1 is the best and the higher the number, the worse it is.

  * For smiley questions: 1 is the best and the higher the number, the worse it is.

  * However for star questions: 5 is the best and 1 is the worst

* Save the file in **CSV format**.

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### **2. Access the Import Feature**

* Go to the **Settings** section.

* Click the **Imports** menu item.

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### **3. Select the Target Survey**

* Search and choose the survey you want to import data into.

* Double-check that you selected the correct survey.

* The system displays matching questions for confirmation.

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### **4. Upload Your CSV File**

* Click **Choose File** and upload your prepared CSV.

* Ensure the file is below the size limit

* The system validates the file format immediately.

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### **5. Processing and Validation**

* You can at any time removes all deleted data.

* The system places the file in the processing queue.

* Each row is validated against the survey’s structure.

* The system attempts to match questions and answer options.

* Invalid rows are logged with precise error messages.

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### **6. Monitor Import Progress**

* View real-time status (Processing, Success, Failed).

* Check the **Import History** table for completion.

* Download the **error report** if any rows failed.

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### **7. Review Imported Data**

* Successful responses appear instantly in reports.

* Survey cycles are created automatically based on import dates.

* All standard analytics become available for the imported data.