Overview
Import existing feedback data from spreadsheets directly into Canny using our CSV import tool. Easily transfer your backlog of ideas with title, description, status, and tags without starting from scratch.
Benefits
Save time and effort by transferring existing feedback data in bulk rather than manually entering each item individually
Maintain historical context by preserving existing feedback when adopting Canny as your new feedback management system
Ensure a smooth transition for your team and stakeholders by maintaining the same data they’re already working with
Importing feedback via a CSV
NOTE: Owner-level admin permissions in Canny are required to upload a spreadsheet.
Make sure to prepare your CSV file. We support importing a post’s title, description, status, category, and tags. For instance:
Title: Dark Mode
Details: Enable an option for a dark theme on the app. Users should be able to toggle at will. This will reduce eye strain and lessen battery consumption on mobile screens.
Status: Under Review
Tags: Q2, Low priority
*[add as many tags as you like, just make sure they're comma-separated]*
Category: Look & Feel
Head to the Boards tab in your Canny Settings, and select the "Import Data" tab:
Click the “Upload a .CSV file” button.
Align your info with the data in each column.
Make sure you toggle "First row is the header" if you have a header row so that row isn't imported as a separate post.
The "Skip" option will simply ignore that column. Only Title, Details, Status, Tags, and Categories will be imported.
Click "Import"
Import feedback via the Canny API
This option also allows you to assign authorship to a post, as well as add votes and comments on behalf of your users.
Things to note:
The .csv file format stands for “comma-separated values.” Errors can often be traced back to a comma in the wrong place.
Only the Title field is required.
For importing tags, use comma-separated values (e.g., tag1, tag2, tag3).
When the status in the csv does not match your current statuses in Canny:
Uploading will create new statuses if you’re on the Growth plan and above.
Those statuses will be changed to the default “Open” status if you're on the Starter or Free plans.
Posts with no status default to “Open”.
If a post on the spreadsheet has the same title, the existing post will be overridden with new values.
Posts via this method are attributed to the uploading admin.
When migrating from a different tool, you can typically export your existing data. If a CSV export isn't available in that system, you can convert your data using a tool like this JSON to CSV converter.