Data Loader Guide

Data Loader
When to Use Data Loader
Install Data Loader
Configure Data Loader
Using Data Loader
Data Types Supported by Data Loader
Export Data from Salesforce
Define Data Loader Field Mappings
Insert, Update, or Delete Data Using Data Loader
Perform Mass Updates
Perform Mass Deletes
Upload Attachments
Upload Files and Links with Data Loader
Review Data Loader Output Files
Data Import Dates
View the Data Loader Log File
Configure the Data Loader Log File
Run in Batch Mode (Windows Only)
Command-Line Quick Start (Windows Only)
Data Loader Third-Party Licenses
PDF

Note: This release is in preview. Features described here don’t become generally available until the latest general availability date that Salesforce announces for this release. Before then, and where features are noted as beta, pilot, or developer preview, we can’t guarantee general availability within any particular time frame or at all. Make your purchase decisions only on the basis of generally available products and features.

Perform Mass Updates

Use data Loader to update a large number of records at one time.
  1. Obtain your data by performing an export of the objects you wish to update, or by running a report. Make sure your report includes the record ID.
  2. As a backup measure, save an extra copy of the generated CSV file.
  3. Open your working file in a CSV editor such as Excel, and update your data.
  4. Launch Data Loader, then click Update. Note that matching is done according to record ID.
  5. After the operation, review your success and error log files.
  6. If you made a mistake, use the backup file to update the records to their previous values.