Attribute CSVs use one row per option. In a create file, repeat the Slug on each option row so the rows form one attribute; enter Name and Sub Type on the first row. In an update file, repeat the ID on each option row. Exports include a Revision alongside attribute and option IDs and the editable fields.
Import modes
Attribute CSVs run in one of these modes. Import creates new attributes with their options. Update attributes changes only the editable attribute-level fields (name, slug, description, and sort order) and does not touch options. Update attribute options changes only the options and leaves the attribute-level fields alone. Each mode allows only the columns for that mode: an option column in an update-attributes file, or an attribute field change in an update-attribute-options file, is reported as an error.
Create imports
Create imports need a Name, Slug and at least one option for each attribute. Unlike the form, a create CSV does not generate a missing slug. An empty option value is generated from its label. Choose Standard, Swatch or Image in Sub Type; swatches need Option Color, and image options need Option Image URL.
| Name | Slug | Sub Type | Option Label | Option Value | Option Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | color | swatch | Red | red | #ef4444 |
| color | Blue | blue | #3b82f6 |
Update imports
Update files require the ID and Revision from a recent export. If the attribute changed since that export, its rows fail; export again and review your edits. Update attributes changes parent fields without touching options. Update attribute options changes existing options by Option ID and adds an option when Option ID is blank; omitted options stay in place. Sub Type cannot change, and a slug change is blocked while products or a storefront filter use the attribute.
| ID | Revision | Option ID | Option Label | Option Value | Option Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2026-09-23T12:00:00Z | 41 | Crimson | red | #dc2626 |
| 7 | 2026-09-23T12:00:00Z | Green | green | #22c55e |
Run and review a job
From Catalog > Attributes in Store Admin, choose Import, Update attributes, Update attribute options or Export. Preview an uploaded file before starting the job. Then open Bulk Jobs to review failed rows or download the completed export.
Images
Option Image URL is only valid for image attributes. External option image URLs are imported during the job. Import and update require product write plus file write permission for option image URLs. Exporting Option Image URL or Option Image Site URL requires product read plus file read permission.
CSV file format
CSV files use UTF-8. Exports start with a byte order mark (BOM) so spreadsheet apps recognize the encoding, and imports accept files with or without one. A file with text that isn't valid UTF-8, such as one saved in another encoding, is rejected with the line of the first problem. Save it as UTF-8 (in Excel, CSV UTF-8) and upload it again.
A value that starts with =, +, @ or %, or with a tab or line break, is exported with an apostrophe in front so spreadsheet apps show it as text instead of running it as a formula. So is a value that starts with -, except a plain number such as -12.50, which stays a number. A value that really starts with an apostrophe is exported with a second one. Importing the file removes the added apostrophe, so these values come back unchanged.
A value that is exactly __CLEAR__ is also exported with an apostrophe in front, and so is none in a column where it clears a value, such as Quantity Pricing. On import it is read as that text, not as an instruction to clear a value. In other columns none is exported as it is.