Prepare a clean CSV before importing it into Notion

Make the first row an intentional database schema

Notion uses CSV headers to create or map database properties. Remove report-only columns, name the remaining fields deliberately, and check empty rows before importing a large file.

• A title or name column is blank, so pages are difficult to find
• Empty rows become empty database entries
• An export column creates an unwanted Notion property

• Diagnose CSV column counts and quoted fields →Review structural findings before changing a value or header.
• Select the columns required by the template →Remove export-only fields while keeping all data rows.

Decide which columns belong in Notion

The Notion import guide describes the destination behavior, but it cannot determine whether a source field belongs in your database. Keep a mapping note for each retained header.

• Keep one stable title or primary column
• Remove only columns confirmed as report-only
• Check quoted line breaks so a note remains one cell

• Keep only rows that belong in the import →Exclude test, inactive, or incomplete records with a visible count.
• Diagnose CSV column counts and quoted fields →Review structural findings before changing a value or header.

Prepare the file in LocaCSV

LocaCSV does not create Notion relations, formulas, or select options. It prepares a structurally clear CSV for the destination mapping step.

1. 1Open a copy of the export and run CSV diagnosis
2. 2Filter confirmed empty rows and review the excluded count
3. 3Select and order only the columns needed by the Notion database
4. 4Import a small sample and compare properties before the full run

Check the Notion database after import

• Input rows equal imported rows plus explicitly excluded rows
• The title column is populated for the intended records
• Headers map to the expected property names and types
• Long notes and quoted commas remain in the correct property

• Diagnose CSV column counts and quoted fields →Review structural findings before changing a value or header.
• Select the columns required by the template →Remove export-only fields while keeping all data rows.
• Keep only rows that belong in the import →Exclude test, inactive, or incomplete records with a visible count.

If imported values have the wrong property type

Fix the Notion property type or the source representation deliberately. A CSV cleaner should not convert dates, numbers, or select values without a stated rule.

• Select the columns required by the template →Remove export-only fields while keeping all data rows.
• Diagnose CSV column counts and quoted fields →Review structural findings before changing a value or header.
• Convert the CSV encoding or delimiter →Set source and output formats explicitly and create a separate CSV.

Diagnose the Notion CSV