Data Grid CSV Import and Export

In WS Form, Select, Checkbox, and Radio fields use a Data Grid to define choices. You can export that grid to a CSV file, edit it in a spreadsheet, and import it again, or build a CSV from scratch and import it.

Where Import and Export Appear

  • Export CSV downloads a file with the current grid (all groups in one file).
  • Import CSV replaces the data grid using the file you choose.
  • You can also drag and drop a .csv file onto the data grid area to import it.

WS Form - Data Grids - Import / Export Icons

Simple list of values (one column)

The minimum useful CSV is a header row naming your column, then one row per option.

Example:

Label
Apple
Banana
Cherry

After import, the grid has one column and three rows. You do not have to include system columns (below) unless you need them.

Multi-Column Grids

Add more header names for each column you need (for example label, stored value, price). Each data row must have the same number of cells as your headers (aside from optional system columns—see below).

Example:

Label,Value,Price
Apple,apple,1.00
Banana,banana,1.50

Column names in the first row become the column labels in the builder. Your field’s settings (masks, value column, etc.) still control how those columns are used on the form.

Learn more: Data Grid Column Mapping

System Columns (optional)

WS Form recognizes special column names (usually case-insensitive). They are not added as normal data columns; they set row behavior.

Column Purpose
wsf_id Numeric row ID. If omitted or duplicate, new IDs are assigned on import.
wsf_default Use on to select this row by default.
wsf_required Use on to mark the row as required where applicable.
wsf_disabled Use on to disable the row.
wsf_hidden Use on to hide the row.
wsf_group Text label for the group/tab this row belongs to. See “Multiple groups” below.

A typical export puts system columns first, then your custom columns, for example:

wsf_id,wsf_default,wsf_required,wsf_disabled,wsf_hidden,wsf_group,Label,Value
1,on,,,Fruits,Apple,apple
2,,,on,,Fruits,Banana,banana
3,,,,on,Fruits,Cherry,cherry
4,,on,,,Fruits,Orange,orange
5,,,,,Fruits,Grape,grape
6,on,,,,Vegetables,Carrot,carrot
7,,,,,Vegetables,Broccoli,broccoli
8,,,on,,Vegetables,Spinach,spinach
9,,,,on,Vegetables,Onion,onion
10,,on,,,Vegetables,Potato,potato

Multiple Groups

Data grids can have more than one group. Exports include every group in a single CSV.

  • The wsf_group column holds the group label for each row.
  • On import, each distinct wsf_group value becomes a group; first time a label appears in the file sets its order among tabs.
  • If wsf_group is missing from the file, the whole file imports as one group. The group label is derived from the file name (unless the import supplies a group label another way).
  • If the column exists but a cell is empty, that row is placed in a shared default group (labeled for translation as “Default” in the interface).

Workflow: export once, edit all tabs in one spreadsheet, save as CSV, import (or drag the file onto the grid) to restore multiple tabs in one step.

Learn more: How to Create Select Optgroups Using Data Grids

Export File Name

CSV downloads use a fixed, generic file name: ws-form-data-grid-export.csv so exports are easy to spot and do not depend on which group was active.

Tips

  • Prefer UTF-8 when saving from Excel or Google Sheets.
  • Keep the header row; the importer uses it to map columns and detect wsf_* fields.
  • After import, check the builder: column mappings and field-specific options may still need to match your columns.
  • Back up or export before large imports so you can revert by re-importing an earlier file.
  • After importing ensure your column mapping settings are correct.