> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I import data into my club using Hero?

> Upload a spreadsheet, CSV, or PDF and Hero inspects it, maps the columns, can clean it up, and stages the result — but imports nothing until you confirm the import card.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * Staging holds and previews the data but imports **nothing**. Only confirming the import card actually adds it to your organization.
  * Hero prepares files **one at a time** as you upload them, but staged files stack up — so you can confirm several already-prepared files together on a single import card. It supports athletes, guardians, programs, facilities, and attendance.
  * Hero maps the columns for you, flags anything it couldn't map, and can clean up problems — a combined "Last, First" name column, junk rows — before importing, instead of asking you to fix and re-upload.
  * Importing requires the settings-edit permission, and the page refreshes after a confirmed import so the new records appear.
</Note>

Hero can bring outside data into your club without a separate import wizard. It's a good fit for athletes, guardians, programs, facilities, and attendance.

## How an import goes

<Steps>
  <Step title="Upload the file">
    Attach a spreadsheet, CSV, or PDF using the paperclip or by dropping it on the panel. Ask Hero to import it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let Hero inspect and map">
    Hero looks at the actual columns and sample rows (not just the filename), then tells you which columns map to which fields and flags anything it couldn't place. If something's ambiguous, it asks before going further.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Clean up if needed">
    If the file has issues — names stored as "Last, First," placeholder rows, stray columns — Hero can clean it up and prepare a corrected version rather than sending you back to fix the source.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the import">
    When you're ready, Hero prepares an **import card** showing how many records of each type will land. Nothing is added until you click **Confirm**. After a confirmed import, the page refreshes so the new records show up.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Reading a file vs. importing it

Uploading a file doesn't mean importing it. Hero can simply **read** a file to answer questions or summarize it. Importing is a deliberate step that only happens when you confirm the import card. Hero prepares files one at a time as you upload them, but they stay staged — so you can prepare several and then confirm them together on one card.

**Related:** [How do I upload a file for Hero to read or analyze?](/club/ask-hero/upload-files-for-analysis) · [What happens when Hero prepares a change?](/club/ask-hero/how-hero-proposals-work) · [Why does Hero offer fewer capabilities to some staff members?](/club/ask-hero/hero-per-user-permissions)