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How do I import data from a previous survey tool?

How to transfer responses for questions and  related attributes from your previous survey tool into Honestly.

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 from the import page.

  • Ensure the Date is in the first column.

  • Make sure the date is formated as DD.MM.YYYY (e.g. 07.07.2025)

  • 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.

2. Access the Import Feature

  • Go to the Settings section.

  • Click the Imports menu item.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.