Split single line text into metafield list during import

Topic summary

Issue: Importing product metafields via CSV where a single line text like “6,7,8,9” should populate a metafield defined as a list of values. After changing the metafield definition (single line text → list of values), the field no longer appears as an option in CSV import.

Key terms: Metafields = custom product fields in Shopify. CSV = comma-separated values file used for bulk import/export. List of values = a metafield type that stores multiple entries.

Answer/Update: A response states Shopify does not support including metafields in the product CSV export. Third-party reporting apps (Report Toaster, Better Reports, Advanced Reports) can handle metafield reporting needs.

Outcome: The marked solution indicates a platform limitation around CSV handling of metafields (explicitly export; import remains unaddressed). No native method was provided to import list-type metafields from CSV.

Status: Effectively unresolved for import; guidance points to using external tools for reporting/export of metafields.

Summarized with AI on December 27. AI used: gpt-5.

I have several metafields that I am importing with my product spreadsheet via CSV. I have four metafields that will become lists, which are entered into my spreadsheet as a line of text, each value separated by a “,”. For example, I sell plants which are relevant to multiple hardiness zones ( cell has “6,7,8,9”) which I want to be entered as distinct values in the metafield list after import. How can I go about doing this? When I create a new metafield definition in the Settings, select single line text and List of values, the metafield no longer shows up as an option during CSV import. Why is this? Thanks!

@fvongrey Hi there - Shopify does not have a way to include metafields as part of the product export. There are a number of reporting apps that can do that such as Report Toaster, Better Reports, Advanced Reports, etc.

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