Bulk Upload Product Dimensions via CSV file for Metafields

Shopify Discussion
1

Hello Shopify Community,

I am trying to process an import of product dimensions via a CSV file and am having trouble. I added metafields to our account and processed an export of all current products to use for the import. I added product dimensions to the corresponding columns (AT, AU,AV AW and AX on the attached file) and tried numerous times to import the file. I keep getting error messages stating the file failed to import due to invalid information, rows are ignored because they did not contain product data, or there is an invalid CSV value ‘‘14.58’’ for dimension. I have worked with Shopify Support and they told me to add quotation marks around the dimensions in each cell. This did not work so they advised I try single quotes vs. double quotes. The import still will not process. I have attached a file showing a portion of the data as an example. Additional columns, rows and cells not included in this file contain proprietary information. Data in cells is only populated if it exists in our Shopify store, just as shown in the example. I am using the current product export to add on dimensions for the import CSV file. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or solutions of how to resolve the issues. Thank you!

2

Hi @u005025 ,

I think the issue is that dimension metafields need to have a unit associated with them. Can you try a value like 14.58cm and see if that works? The valid units should be mm, cm, m, in, ft, and yd.

I also attached a CSV that I was able to use to update dimension metafields on my test store.

If that still doesn’t do it let me know and I’ll look some more.

Best,

Daniel

3

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for getting back to me and for the suggestion. I added the units to a CSV file that only had the handle, title and dimension column like the example you showed me. I received confirmation that items did update. The way I was able to accomplish this was by importing the file and selecting “overwrite products with the same handle” and “Publish New Products to all sales channels”. I thought I was doing this in a test store that I created by duplicating a Theme that was not published. It seems the updates may have applied to the active Theme instead. Also, the import seems to have created an issue with the existing images on the Active Shopify Store site.

I have a few additional questions:

  • How do I create a test store to process an import that does not impact a live site?
  • With the import I processed as described above, do I need to publish the data in the Metafields?
  • If I do publish the imported Metafields only, does it impact the images or existing data in the live site?
  • Is there a way to import the Dimensions to the Live Product Data without affecting the existing data?
  • In the future, can I process the import for all Metafields at the same time (e.g. height, length, width, etc.)? Or would I need to import data for each separately?
  • Is it better to use Matrixify to make such updates in the future?
  • I also have to update pricing. Do you know the best way to make those updates?
    Please let me know if you have further guidance on these updates at your convenience. If you wish to contact me directly, you may do so as noted below. Thank you!

Best regards,

James Flattum
e: jamesaflattum@gmail.com
m: 612-251-4302 (U.S.)

4

If you’ve already tried other methods and they didn’t work, follow these steps instead:

  1. Check Your Metafield Configuration
    Ensure that metafields for length, width, and height are correctly created with the appropriate data type (e.g., dimension or decimal) and consistent namespace and key.

  2. Use the Correct Value Format
    Each value must include a unit (14.58 cm). Do not use quotation marks (single or double) around the values.

  3. Use Accurate Column Headers
    Column names must follow the format metafield.namespace.key, matching your metafield setup in Shopify.

  4. Clean the CSV File
    Remove any empty rows or unused columns, eliminate extra spaces, and save the file as CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited).

  5. Test with a Small Sample
    Try importing just 2–3 products first to confirm the format works before applying it to the full file.

  6. Use a Professional Import Service (Optional)
    If the standard import keeps failing, consider using ourimport/export service, which supports accurate metafield mapping and handles bulk product updates efficiently with expert support.