Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions and answers about using Altera for Shopify data import and export

Updated today

This FAQ covers the most common questions about Altera's features, functionality, and how to get the most out of the app for your Shopify store.


General Features

What is Altera?

Altera is a Shopify app that allows you to import and export data between your Shopify store and spreadsheets (Excel, CSV, Google Sheets). It's designed to make bulk data operations simple and reliable, whether you're adding hundreds of products, updating customer information, or backing up your store data.

What types of data can I import and export?

Altera supports importing and exporting:

  • Products (including variants, images, metafields, and SEO data)

  • Collections (both smart and manual collections)

  • Customers (contact information, addresses, and customer metafields)

  • Orders (order details, line items, and fulfillment information)

  • Discounts (automatic and code-based discount rules)

  • Articles (blog posts and content)

  • Catalogs (product catalogs and organization)

  • Companies (B2B company information, importing under development)

  • Draft Orders (incomplete orders and quotes, importing under development)

  • Files (media files and documents)

  • Menus (navigation menus and structure)

  • Metaobjects (custom data structures and content)

  • Pages (store pages and static content)

  • Redirects (URL redirections and SEO management)

  • Shop (store settings and configuration)

  • Metafield Definitions (custom field schemas and definitions)

Export-only data types:

  • Events (store activity and audit logs)

  • Payouts (payment settlement information)

What file formats does Altera support?

Altera works with:

  • Excel files (.xlsx, .xls)

  • CSV files (.csv)

  • Google Sheets (via URL import/export)

Can I import data from other platforms like WooCommerce or Amazon?

Yes! Altera can import data from any platform as long as you can export it to a supported spreadsheet format. You may need to adjust column headers to match Shopify's requirements, but the app provides guidance during the upload process. Additionally, we are developing an API connector with WooCommerce to avoid the need to reformat a spreadsheet.


Import Questions

How do I know if my import was successful?

After each import, Altera provides a detailed results file that shows:

  • Import Result column indicating success or failure for each row

  • Import Comment column with specific error messages if something went wrong

  • ID (Ref) and Handle (Ref) columns showing the Shopify IDs for successfully created items

What happens if my import fails partway through?

Altera processes imports row by row, so if some rows fail, the successful ones remain in your store. You can download the results file to see exactly which items failed and why, then fix the issues and re-import just the failed rows.

Can I update existing products with an import?

Yes! If your spreadsheet includes a Handle or ID column with existing product identifiers, Altera will update those products instead of creating new ones. This is perfect for bulk price updates or inventory adjustments.

How large can my import files be?

Altera can handle files with thousands of rows. For very large imports (10,000+ rows), the process may take several minutes, but you can monitor progress in real-time on the job detail screen. Currently file uploads are capped at 250mb but contact us if you need to import larger files.


Export Questions

How often can I export my data?

You can export data as often as needed - there are no limits on export frequency. Each export captures your current store data at the time you run it.

Can I schedule automatic exports?

Scheduled/repeating exports are currently in development and will be available soon. This feature will allow you to automatically export data daily, weekly, or monthly.

What is URL visibility on the export screen?

When Altera creates an export, it stores the output file at a secure URL. By default, this URL is private - even if someone knows the exact URL, they won't be able to download your data without proper authentication.

However, there are situations where you might want to make the export URL publicly accessible. For example:

  • Google Sheets integration: If you want to import the exported data directly into Google Sheets using a URL

  • Third-party integrations: When connecting exported data to other tools or services

  • Scheduled access: For automated systems that need to fetch the exported data

Important security notes:

  • Even when URLs are made visible, they use complex, randomly generated identifiers that are extremely difficult to guess

  • A typical visible URL looks like: https://files.getaltera.com/output/69473829050/10/10a1e1a6-5eb9-4b84-bce4-4dd408b5ffe4/Shop_Export_2025-06-28_053544.xlsx

  • This feature will be most useful when combined with the upcoming scheduled exports feature

For most users, keeping URLs private (the default setting) is recommended unless you specifically need external access to the export files.

Can I export only specific products or customers?

Yes! When setting up an export, you can apply filters to export only the data you need. For example, you can export only products from a specific vendor, customers from a certain location, or orders from a particular date range.


Troubleshooting

Why are some of my products not importing?

Common reasons include:

  • Missing required fields: Products need at least a Title to be created

  • Invalid data formats: Check that prices are numbers, dates are properly formatted, etc.

  • Duplicate handles: Product handles must be unique across your store

  • Character limits: Ensure descriptions and titles don't exceed Shopify's limits

The results file will show specific error messages for each failed import.

My import is taking a long time. Is something wrong?

Large imports naturally take time to process. Altera shows real-time progress, so you can see items being processed. If an import appears stuck without progress for more than 10 minutes, contact support.

Can I cancel an import that's already running?

Yes! You can cancel an import while it's running. You can monitor real-time progress on the job detail screen and stop the import if needed. Any items that have already been processed will remain in your store.

I made a mistake in my import. Can I undo it?

Altera doesn't have an automatic undo feature, but you can:

  • Use the results file to identify what was imported

  • Export the imported data and manually delete unwanted items

  • Contact support for assistance with large-scale corrections


Data Format Questions

How should I format my spreadsheet for importing?

  • Use clear column headers that match Matrixify/Altera field names (Title, Handle, Body HTML, etc.)

  • Keep data consistent within each column (all prices as numbers, all dates in the same format)

  • Name your sheet tab appropriately (Products, Collections, etc.) to help with automatic detection

  • Review our sample files for examples of proper formatting

Can I include images in my imports?

Yes! You can include product images by:

  • Image URLs: Include columns like Image Src with direct URLs to images

  • Multiple images: Use separate columns (Image Src, Image Src 2, etc.) for multiple product images

  • Alt text: Include Image Alt Text columns for accessibility

How do I handle product variants in imports?

Product variants should be on separate rows in your spreadsheet. Include:

  • The same Title for all variants of a product

  • Different Option1 Name, Option1 Value (and Option2, Option3 if needed) for each variant

  • Unique SKU and Barcode for each variant if applicable


Getting Help

Where can I find sample files?

Sample files for some data types are available in our knowledge base. Within the app, you'll find links to relevant knowledge base articles that include sample files and formatting guidance for supported data types. For data types without existing samples, contact support for specific examples.

Did this answer your question?