CSV Import Guide

Import trades from any source that exports to CSV format. This guide covers file requirements, field mapping, and troubleshooting.

Preparing Your CSV

Required Columns

Your CSV must include:

Optional Columns

Enhance your imports with:

Example CSV

Minimal Example

Symbol,Direction,Entry Date,Entry Price,Quantity
AAPL,LONG,2024-12-01,195.50,100
TSLA,SHORT,2024-12-02,245.75,50
SPY,LONG,2024-12-03,590.00,200

Complete Example

Symbol,Direction,Entry Date,Entry Time,Entry Price,Quantity,Exit Date,Exit Time,Exit Price,Fees,Strategy,Notes
AAPL,LONG,2024-12-01,09:45:00,195.50,100,2024-12-01,11:30:00,197.25,5.00,VWAP Bounce,Clean setup
TSLA,SHORT,2024-12-02,10:15:00,245.75,50,2024-12-02,14:00:00,242.50,5.00,Breakdown,Worked as planned
SPY,LONG,2024-12-03,09:35:00,590.00,200,,,,,Gap Fill,Still open

Import Steps

Step 1: Upload File

1. Go to Dashboard > Trades
2. Click Import
3. Select CSV Import
4. Choose your file or drag and drop

Step 2: Map Columns

TradeLogist will attempt to auto-map columns:

1. Review the suggested mapping
2. Correct any mismatched columns
3. Map optional columns if available
4. Click Continue

Step 3: Preview

Review import preview:

1. Check first few rows look correct
2. Verify data types are right
3. Note any warnings
4. Click Import

Step 4: Confirm

After import:

1. See import summary
2. Note any skipped rows
3. Click Done
4. View imported trades

Column Mapping

Direction Mapping

Accepted values for direction:

Date Formats

Accepted date formats:

• YYYY-MM-DD (2024-12-15)
• MM/DD/YYYY (12/15/2024)
• DD/MM/YYYY (15/12/2024)
• MM-DD-YYYY (12-15-2024)

Time Formats

Accepted time formats:

• HH:MM:SS (09:45:30)
• HH:MM (09:45)
• H:MM AM/PM (9:45 AM)

Number Formats

For prices and quantities:

• Decimal: 150.25
• No currency symbols: $150.25
• No thousands separator: 1,000

Advanced Options

Timezone Settings

Set import timezone:

• Use your local timezone
• Or specify source timezone
• Times will be converted

Duplicate Handling

Choose how to handle duplicates:

Strategy Auto-Creation

When importing with strategies:

• Existing strategies are matched
• New strategies are created automatically
• Or skip strategy assignment

Troubleshooting

Common Errors

"Invalid date format"

• Check your date column format
• Ensure consistency across rows
• Use standard formats

"Missing required column"

• Ensure Symbol, Direction, Entry Date, Entry Price, Quantity exist
• Check for typos in column headers
• Headers are case-insensitive

"Invalid number"

• Remove currency symbols ($, EUR, etc.)
• Remove thousand separators (commas)
• Check for text in number columns

"Row skipped"

• Review the skipped row in errors
• Fix data and re-import if needed
• Some rows may have invalid data

File Issues

File won't upload

• Check file size (max 10MB)
• Ensure .csv extension
• Try saving as CSV UTF-8

Garbled text

• File may have wrong encoding
• Open in Excel, save as CSV UTF-8
• Or use text editor to convert

Partial Import

If only some rows import:

1. Download error report
2. Review skipped rows
3. Fix issues in source file
4. Re-import fixed rows

Best Practices

Before Import

1. Backup your data
2. Review CSV in spreadsheet first
3. Check for duplicates
4. Validate date formats

During Import

1. Use preview to verify
2. Read all warnings
3. Map columns correctly
4. Start with small test file

After Import

1. Spot check imported trades
2. Verify calculations correct
3. Check strategies assigned
4. Review any warnings

Export for Backup

Create a backup before importing:

1. Go to Settings > Data
2. Click Export All
3. Save the backup file
4. Then proceed with import

Next Steps

• Interactive Brokers - IB-specific import
• Other Brokers - More broker guides
• Troubleshooting - Fix import issues