How to Import WordPress Posts Using Import Export Suite

WordPress posts can be imported in bulk using the Import Export Suite for WooCommerce plugin. You can import post data from CSV, XML, or XLSX files, map the required post fields, choose how existing posts should be handled, and import the posts immediately or schedule the import for later.

This guide explains how to import WordPress posts step by step using the Import Export Suite plugin.

To import WordPress posts, navigate to WebToffee Import/Export(Pro) > Import.

Select Post as the post type.

Choose one of the following methods to continue with the import:

• Quick import
• Pre-saved template
• Advanced Import

• Use this option primarily when the input file was exported using the same plugin.
• Import the file from Local, URL, or FTP.

• Uses the import configuration saved during a previous import.
• Select the required template from the Import template dropdown.

Note: A template appears in the dropdown only after you save one during an earlier import.

• Takes you through the complete import process, including column mapping and advanced import options.
• You can also save the import configuration as a template for future use.

Next, select the location of the import file:

• Local – Upload a file from your device.
• URL – Provide the direct URL of the import file.
• FTP – Import a file from an FTP server.

Upload or select the required import file.

Depending on the file format, configure the following options:

• Delimiter – Select the character used to separate columns in a CSV file. A comma is used by default.
• Childnode – For XML imports, specify the child node containing each post record.
• Date format – Select the date format used in the input file.

Select Step 3: Map import columns to continue.

Map the columns in the input file to the corresponding WordPress post fields.

When the column headers in the input file match the expected field names, the plugin maps them automatically. You can manually select the corresponding file column for any field that is not mapped correctly.

The available fields are grouped under:

• Default fields
• Hidden meta
• Custom fields (post meta)

The Preview column displays sample values from the input file to help verify the mapping.

You can also use the Transform option to modify field values during the import when required.

Select Step 4: Advanced options/Batch import/Scheduling to continue.

Configure how the plugin should create or update WordPress posts during the import.

Choose how the plugin should handle new and existing posts:

• Create new only – Imports rows that do not match an existing post and skips matching rows.
• Create + Update – Imports new rows and updates existing matching posts.
• Update only – Updates rows that match an existing post and skips rows that do not match.

Choose how the plugin should identify existing posts:

• Post ID
• Slug (post_name)
• Custom meta key

The selected field determines whether a post in the import file already exists on the site.

Choose how imported custom field values should be handled when a corresponding custom field already exists:

• Overwrite
• Append
• Skip if exists

Expand Advanced options to configure additional import settings, including the number of records processed in each batch.

For large imports, adjusting the batch count can help manage server resources and prevent timeout issues.

To reuse the current import configuration:

1. Select Save template.
2. Enter a name for the template.
3. Save the template.

The saved configuration will then be available under the Pre-saved template import method for future imports.

Select Import/Schedule to import the WordPress posts immediately or schedule the import for later.

For scheduled imports, configure the schedule name, schedule type, interval, and start time as required. See How to Schedule WooCommerce Imports Using WordPress and Server Cron for detailed instructions.

After configuring the schedule, select Schedule now.

Alternatively, select Import to start importing the posts immediately.