How to import CSV files in Adalo

4 min read
Learn how to build a CSV import feature in Adalo. Step-by-step guide for developers integrating spreadsheet uploads in SaaS applications.

How to Import CSV Files into Adalo Using CSVBox

Adding CSV import functionality to your Adalo app can greatly improve scalability and user experience—especially for apps that rely on structured data like CRMs, inventory trackers, or job boards. Adalo’s native platform doesn’t support direct CSV uploads, but integrating a tool like CSVBox makes it possible with minimal code.

This guide walks you through a step-by-step method to enable spreadsheet uploads in your Adalo app using CSVBox, Webhooks, and Adalo’s API.

Why Add CSV Upload to Your Adalo App?

Many users ask:

“Can I import my data from a spreadsheet instead of typing it manually into the app?”

Currently, the answer in Adalo is “not out of the box.” Here’s why a CSV import solution is essential:

  • ⚠️ Adalo does not offer native CSV import capabilities.
  • 🧑‍💼 Users must manually enter every data record.
  • 🔗 Workarounds via Zapier or Airtable involve extra tools and complex configurations.

If you’re building a tool where users manage contacts, catalog products, or upload task lists, CSV import becomes a must-have feature.

The Best Way to Add CSV Import to Adalo: Use CSVBox

CSVBox is a drop-in CSV importer widget designed for no-code and low-code environments. It simplifies:

  • 📤 Spreadsheet uploads via a branded popup widget
  • 💬 Guided field mapping with validation
  • ✅ Pre-cleaning and structuring of incoming data via webhooks

By integrating CSVBox with your Adalo app via a WebView and webhook handler, you get the full functionality of student-grade import tools without building a parser or uploader UI from scratch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Import CSVs into Adalo

1. Create an Importer in CSVBox

  • Sign up at CSVBox.io
  • Set up a new importer in your dashboard
  • Define the schema: Specify which fields to collect (e.g. Name, Email, Phone)
  • Configure field validation rules as needed

2. Set Webhook to Forward Data to Adalo

CSVBox sends cleaned and validated data to a webhook URL of your choice.

  • In your CSVBox importer, set the “Webhook URL” to point to your backend handler
  • This handler will receive the uploaded CSV rows and forward them to Adalo

Example format:

https://yourserver.com/csv-upload-handler

🔧 You can use platforms like Xano, Integromat (Make), or create an Express.js endpoint (see below).

3. Embed CSVBox in Adalo Using a WebView Component

Since Adalo doesn’t allow arbitrary HTML/JS embeds, you’ll need to use a WebView to display the CSV upload widget.

Steps:

  1. Open your Adalo project
  2. Add a WebView component to the screen where users should upload CSVs
  3. Set the URL to:
https://widget.csvbox.io/[IMPORTER_ID]?apikey=[YOUR_API_KEY]

🔐 Optional: Pre-fill user metadata like email or ID using query parameters.

4. Connect Backend Webhook to Adalo’s API

Build or configure a server that:

  • Receives the POST webhook from CSVBox
  • Loops through each uploaded row
  • Sends the data to your Adalo database via API

Adalo API format:

POST https://api.adalo.com/v0/apps/{APP_ID}/collections/{COLLECTION_ID}
Authorization: Bearer YOUR_ADALO_API_KEY
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "name": "John Doe",
  "email": "[email protected]"
}

Example using Express.js:

const express = require('express');
const axios = require('axios');
const app = express();

app.use(express.json());

app.post('/csv-upload-handler', async (req, res) => {
  const uploadedData = req.body.data;
  const adaloUrl = 'https://api.adalo.com/v0/apps/YOUR_APP_ID/collections/YOUR_COLLECTION_ID';
  const headers = {
    Authorization: 'Bearer YOUR_ADALO_API_KEY',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
  };

  try {
    for (const row of uploadedData) {
      await axios.post(adaloUrl, row, { headers });
    }
    res.send('Data imported into Adalo');
  } catch (err) {
    console.error('Error:', err.response?.data || err.message);
    res.status(500).send('Import failed.');
  }
});

app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Server running on port 3000'));

Prefer zero-code? Tools like Integromat (Make) or Zapier can also receive CSVBox webhooks and forward them to Adalo’s API using their HTTP modules.

Common Issues and Fixes

WebView Not Displaying CSVBox?

  • Ensure URL starts with https://
  • Confirm the importer ID and API key are correct
  • Open the URL in a browser to debug

Webhook Not Receiving Data?

  • Check the webhook endpoint is reachable and publicly available
  • Use Webhook.site to test webhook delivery
  • Monitor logs or add basic debugging output to your server

Data Not Saving to Adalo?

  • Verify the Adalo API key has write access
  • Check that field names in the CSV match Adalo collection keys
  • Log API responses to catch formatting issues

Why CSVBox Is Ideal for Adalo Integrations

CSVBox is purpose-built for CSV import workflows and offers:

  • 🧑‍💻 Pre-built UI: In-app popup for end users with field preview and error feedback
  • 🗂 Field Mapping: Auto-matches spreadsheet columns to your schema
  • ⚙️ Validations: Real-time checks for data type, required fields, email format, etc.
  • 🚀 Webhooks: Sends structured data directly to your backend—ready for Adalo API

By combining CSVBox with Adalo, you deliver a powerful, user-friendly CSV import experience with a no-code backend.

Summary: Add CSV Upload to Adalo in 4 Steps

  1. ✨ Create and configure a CSVBox importer
  2. 🔗 Add a WebView in Adalo linking to your CSVBox widget
  3. ⚙️ Set up a webhook handler to receive parsed CSV data
  4. 📬 Forward cleaned data to Adalo via its API

Bonus: Power Features & Next Steps

Once the basic integration is running, you can enhance further:

  • 🎨 Customize the CSVBox UI with your app’s branding
  • 🔐 Add webhook signature verification for security
  • 📊 Let users view import histories and error logs
  • 🧪 Test using mock CSV files for every field type

📚 For full documentation, visit: CSVBox Help Center
🔧 Get started with a free CSVBox account: https://csvbox.io

By pairing Adalo with CSVBox, you eliminate a major pain point—structured data entry—and deliver a polished, user-friendly import workflow that scales with your app’s needs.

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