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CSV imports allow you to create or update multiple variants at once. This is useful for managing multi-site deployments or making bulk changes to variant attributes.

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Export your current variants

Before importing, export your existing variants to understand the file format:
  1. Navigate to Variant management in Agent Studio
  2. Click Export CSV
  3. Save the file to your local machine
The exported CSV contains all your variants with their attributes and configurations.

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CSV file format

The CSV file must include these columns:
ColumnRequiredDescription
idNoLeave empty for new variants. Include existing IDs to update variants.
nameYesUnique name for the variant
is_defaultYestrue or false. Only one variant can be default.
attribute_*NoCustom attributes (e.g., attribute_phone_number, attribute_address)

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Example CSV

id,name,is_default,attribute_phone_number,attribute_opening_hours
,London Bridge,false,+442012345678,9am-5pm Mon-Fri
,Manchester,false,+441612345678,9am-6pm Mon-Sat
,Birmingham,true,+441212345678,24/7

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Import process

  1. Prepare your CSV
    • Keep column headers exactly as exported
    • Leave id empty for new variants
    • Include id values for variants you want to update
    • Ensure only one variant has is_default set to true
  2. Upload the file
    • Navigate to Variant management
    • Click Import CSV
    • Select your CSV file
  3. Review changes
    • The platform shows a diff of what will change
    • New variants are highlighted
    • Updated fields are shown side-by-side
  4. Confirm import
    • Review the diff carefully
    • Click Confirm import to apply changes
    • Changes take effect immediately

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Best practices

  • Test in sandbox first - Import to your sandbox environment before production
  • Keep a backup - Export before importing to preserve your current state
  • Validate data - Check phone numbers, URLs, and other data before importing
  • Use consistent naming - Follow a naming convention that scales (e.g., City-Location)
  • One default only - Ensure exactly one variant is marked as default

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Common use cases

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Adding new locations

Export your CSV, add new rows with empty id fields, and import to create new variants.

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Updating phone numbers

Export, update the attribute_phone_number column, keep the id values, and import.

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Changing default variant

Export, change which row has is_default=true, and import.

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Troubleshooting

Variant names must be unique. Check for duplicate entries in your CSV.
Refresh the page. If changes still don’t appear, check the import confirmation screen for errors.
Only one variant can be default. Ensure no other variants have is_default=true.
Attribute columns must start with attribute_. Check your column headers.

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Limits

  • Maximum 1000 variants per project
  • Maximum 50 custom attributes per variant
  • CSV file size limit: 10MB
For larger imports or complex migrations, contact your PolyAI representative for assistance.