Moving data into Shopify can be the difference between a smooth launch and weeks of cleanup. The right import app helps you bring in products, customers, orders, and even metafields with confidence—without breaking your catalog or analytics. Below are the top import apps, when to use each, and a quick framework to pick the best one for your store.
What to Look For in a Shopify Import App
- Data coverage: products, variants, images, collections, customers, orders, metafields, discounts.
- Mapping and validation: flexible field mapping, type validation, required-field checks.
- Performance at scale: handles tens of thousands of rows with resumable uploads.
- Safety features: previews, dry-runs, rollbacks/undo, duplicate detection.
- Automation: scheduling, recurring imports, webhooks/API access.
- Support and docs: fast support, templates, and clear error reporting.
- Pricing fit: transparent pricing that scales with your catalog size and usage.
Top 5 Import Apps for Shopify (2025)
1) Matrixify (formerly Excelify)
Best-in-class for bulk import/export across most Shopify objects with powerful templates.
- Best for: Large catalogs, full-store data ops, recurring imports/exports.
- Supports: Products, variants, images, collections, customers, orders, discounts, metafields, files.
- Standout: Previews, partial updates, scheduling, robust error feedback.
2) EZ Importer — Order Importer
Purpose-built for importing historical orders accurately with flexible field mappings.
- Best for: Migrating orders from other platforms or ERPs.
- Supports: Customers, orders, line items, taxes, refunds, tags.
- Standout: Clear mapping UI, validation, good documentation.
3) LitExtension
A migration-focused tool that imports most store data end-to-end from many platforms.
- Best for: Full platform migrations with hands-on support.
- Supports: Products, customers, orders, categories/collections, SEO URLs (where possible).
- Standout: Assisted migration services, delta migration options.
4) Hextom: Bulk Product Edit & CSV Import
Powerful for product attribute changes at scale with CSV import support.
- Best for: Ongoing catalog maintenance and mass updates.
- Supports: Titles, descriptions, prices, inventory, tags, SEO, options.
- Standout: Bulk edits with preview and scheduled jobs.
5) Ablestar Bulk Product Editor
Fast bulk edits with import/export and safety checks.
- Best for: Merchandising teams needing frequent, safe product updates.
- Supports: Product fields, variants, price rules, inventory adjustments.
- Standout: Change history and rollbacks to undo mistakes.
Quick Decision Guide
- Gift cards: none of the above apps import Shopify Gift Cards. Use Bluepeacock Gift Card Importer to migrate existing gift cards safely.
- Full-store bulk import/export with schedules: choose Matrixify.
- Historical orders migration: choose EZ Importer.
- Turnkey migration with support: choose LitExtension.
- Ongoing product edits at scale: choose Hextom or Ablestar.
- Small catalog or one-off import: Shopify’s native CSV may be enough.
Need to import Gift Cards?
Most import apps don’t handle Shopify Gift Cards due to platform restrictions. If you’re migrating gift cards from another system, use our dedicated tool to import codes, balances, expiry dates, and initial value with validation and duplicate protection.
Use Bluepeacock Gift Card ImporterHow to Import Data Safely (General Steps)
1) Start with a backup or export of your current data.
2) Use the app’s sample template and map fields explicitly.
3) Run a small test import (10–50 rows) and review results.
4) Validate images, variants, prices, and SEO fields.
5) Schedule or run the full import; monitor logs/errors.
6) If needed, use rollback/undo features or restore from backup.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Incorrect handles or SKUs causing duplicates or broken links.
- Misaligned variant options leading to mismatched inventory.
- Image URLs that require authentication or expire too soon.
- Timezone and currency mismatches in orders and pricing.
- Missing required fields (e.g., Title, Handle, Option headers).
FAQs: Shopify Import Apps
- Q1: Which app is best overall?
For broad, repeatable imports/exports across many objects, Matrixify is a strong choice. For orders, use EZ Importer; for a full migration with help, use LitExtension. - Q2: Do I need a paid app for small catalogs?
Not always. Shopify’s native CSV importer can be enough for small product lists without complex relationships. - Q3: Can I undo an import?
Some apps include rollbacks or change history. Always test on a small batch and keep backups before bulk imports. - Q4: Will imports affect SEO?
They can. Keep handles consistent, preserve redirects, and review meta titles/descriptions after import. - Q5: How do I import images reliably?
Host images at stable URLs during import or include them as file attachments if the app supports it, then verify in product pages.
