> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.inventory-hq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Bulk Import Materials into Inventory HQ

> Import many materials at once using a company-specific template. Learn the 5-step admin-only workflow and how to avoid the most common import failure.

Bulk import in Inventory HQ lets administrators load many materials at once using a template that is unique to your account. The template pulls your existing units, categories, locations, and company details directly from the app, so dropdown columns only list options already configured. This page covers the five-step workflow for both global and warehouse bulk imports.

<Info>
  Bulk import is an admin-only feature. If you do not see the bulk import buttons, ask your administrator to check your role permissions.
</Info>

## Before you start

Complete your setup first. Your company profile, units, categories, and locations must all be configured before you download a template, because the template is generated dynamically from your account. Adding a unit or category later means re-downloading a fresh template.

## Bulk import workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the bulk import modal">
    Click **Add Global Bulk Material** to load materials across your whole account, or **Add Warehouse Bulk Material** to load materials straight into one specific location.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download your company template">
    Click the "here" link inside the modal to download the template. This file is unique to your account and pulls your existing units, categories, locations, and company details directly from the app.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the template">
    Use the pre-populated dropdowns in the template. Do not type values that do not exist in the dropdowns. If a unit, category, or location is missing from a dropdown, add it in the app first, then re-download a fresh template.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload the completed file">
    Return to the bulk import modal and upload your completed template.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the import">
    Click **Submit**. The system processes and imports all materials. If the import fails, check that your template is current and that all required columns are filled.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Your template is unique to your account and reflects your settings at the moment you downloaded it. If a unit, category, or location is missing from a dropdown, add it in the app and then download a fresh template. An old template is the single most common cause of a failed import.
</Warning>

## Troubleshooting a failed import

If your bulk import fails, check these common causes:

* Re-download the template fresh. An old download may be missing units, categories, or locations you have since added.
* Only use values from the dropdowns. If a unit, category, or location is not listed, it has not been set up in the app yet.
* Check that all required columns are filled. SKUs are mandatory and must be unique across all locations.
* Remove special characters from name and SKU fields.
* Try a smaller batch of five to ten rows to isolate the row causing the failure.

## Related articles

* [Adding Items](/inventory/adding-items)
* [Inventory Overview](/inventory/overview)
* [Units](/settings/units)
* [Categories](/settings/categories)