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Use Client Import Templates

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Clients can be exported and easily transferred to Canopy. 

The templates below show which fields you will need to pull from your current software when exporting contacts. If the required fields cannot be pulled from the software directly, you will need to reformat the fields you are able to pull to match what is shown on the templates.

 

Please Note: You are not required to pull all of the fields from the templates. You will select which fields to import to Canopy during the import process.

Before importing to Canopy, you must ensure that the format of your downloaded CSV file(s) (from your previous software) matches Canopy's required formatting. You will need at least two files -- one for Individuals and one for Businesses.

Best Practice for Spouses: The best way to keep spouses organized in Canopy is to:

  1. Add each person as an individual client
  2. Mark the secondary spouse as inactive 
  3. Link them to the primary client's record

Linking the secondary spouse allows you to still communicate with both parties without the inactive spouse counting toward your client limit!

Importing Clients Using a .CSV

Use the templates attached to this article to make sure your .CSV file has all the correct headings and details. This makes for a seamless import process. Please note that while any user can access previously created contact import templates, only admin users can edit existing templates.

1. Click on the Canopy_Import_Template_Criteria file.

  • This file will instruct you on what details to include for each column heading. For example: For the Contact Owner column, you will need to be sure you enter a valid team member email. 

2. Click on the Canopy_Import_Examples file.

  • This file will show you an example entry for a contact import .CSV.

3. Click on the Canopy_Import_Template file to copy the column headings in your own spreadsheet while preparing for a contact import. 

4. Once you have a .CSV file exported of your contacts and you have customized it to fit the provided templates, refer to this article.

 

Formatting for Individuals

  • Names need to be separated into First Name, Middle Initial, and Last Name columns for both Main Taxpayers and Spouses. (See template below for reference)
  • Birthdates need to be formatted as MM/DD/YYYY. (Most software pulls the date with a two-digit year. Make sure to fix this before importing)
  • Address information needs to be separated into Street 1, Street 2 or Apt., City, State, Zip, and Country columns. (See template below for reference)
  • Each phone number should be in its own column/cell and should only include numbers. Dashes, periods, and other symbols must be removed. (Letters and special characters will cause errors)
  • SSNs must have 9 digits and cannot be masked.
  • Any fields you would like to pull but do not see a place for in Canopy must be created as a Custom Field‍. This can be done during the import process or beforehand in your settings.
  • All tags should be added to the same column/cell and separated by commas (see the template for reference). Sample tags include entity type, service provided, team member associated/account manager, etc.

 

Formatting for Businesses

  • Contact Person should be used for the owner or main person associated with the business and can be a full name (does not need to be separated like Individuals)
  • Address information needs to be separated into Street 1, Street 2 or Apt., City, State, Zip, and Country columns. (See template below for reference)
  • Each phone number should be in its own column/cell and should only include numbers. Dashes, periods, and other symbols must be removed. (Letters and special characters will cause errors)
  • Any fields that you would like to pull but do not see a place for in Canopy will need to be created as a Custom Field‍. This can be done during the import process or beforehand in your settings.
  • All tags should be added to the same column/cell and separated by commas (see the template below for reference). Sample tags include entity type, service provided, team member associated/account manager, etc.