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Uploading files is useful when you’re just starting with Algolia and want to test it with sample data. Before importing data files, you need to create an index to store your data. You can then upload your files from the Algolia dashboard. Dashboard uploads can have a file size of up to 100 MB. For larger files, use the API, CLI, or the CSV no-code connector instead.
You can’t use the dashboard to update existing data. To synchronize or update such data, use an alternative method.

Import file formats

Algolia uses JSON to model records and can import JSON, CSV, and TSV files:
JSON
[
  {
    "firstname": "Jimmie",
    "lastname": "Barninger"
  },
  {
    "firstname": "Warren",
    "lastname": "Speach"
  }
]
CSV
firstname,lastname
Jimmie,Barninger
Warren,Speach
TSV
"firstname" "lastname"
"Jimmie"    "Barninger"
"Warren"    "Speach"

Create a new index

To create a new to import your file data into:
  1. Go to the Indices tab in the Algolia dashboard and click New > Index.
    Screenshot of the Algolia dashboard showing the 'Index' page with a drop-down menu open, displaying 'Index' and 'Replica' options.
  2. Give your index a name and click Create.
    Screenshot of a 'Create index' dialog box with a text input field labeled 'Index name' and a 'Create' button.

Upload the file

To add to a new index, click Upload records > Upload file to import your file.
Screenshot of a drop-down menu showing 'Add records' with options 'Upload file', 'Use the API', and 'Add manually' in the Algolia dashboard.
To add records to an existing index:
  1. Click Add records > Upload file.
    Screenshot of a drop-down menu with options:'Add records', 'Upload file', 'Use the API', and 'Add manually'.
  2. Drop the file into the Upload records box or select it on your file system. Then, click Upload.
    Screenshot of a modal titled 'Upload Records to Index Asos' with a file upload area, example buttons, JSON code, and an 'Upload' button.
  3. Once Algolia has indexed your data, the dashboard will notify you of a successful save.
Last modified on February 18, 2026