🚀 Mastering Data Import in Microsoft Dataverse: Options You Should Know

Whether you're a seasoned Power Platform professional or just getting started with Microsoft Dataverse, one of the most essential skills you need is efficient data import. Migrating data into Dataverse tables is a routine part of building apps and solutions—and doing it right can save hours of work.

Let’s break down the key import options Dataverse provides and when to use each:

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🧩 1. Data Import Wizard (Model-driven Apps)

This is the classic, user-friendly tool for importing data in bulk into any Dataverse table.

✅ Best for: One-time imports or occasional data loads 🛠 How to use:

• Navigate to a model-driven app

• Go to Advanced Settings > Data Management > Imports

• Upload your file and map the fields to table columns

📂 Supported file types:

• .csv

• .txt

• .xml (Spreadsheet 2003 format)

• .xlsx

• .zip (containing any of the above formats)

📌 Pro Tip: A great option when working with bulk files—handy for quick table population and initial setup.

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📊 2. Import from Excel in Model-driven Apps

Sometimes, the quickest way to add records is directly from Excel—especially when working inside a table view.

✅ Best for: Adding or updating smaller data sets manually 🛠 How to use:

• Open a table in a model-driven app

• Click Import from Excel

• Choose a supported Excel file (.xlsx) with a clean table structure

📌 Pro Tip: This option supports data updates too—perfect for touch-ups on existing records.

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🌐 3. Import Data via Power Apps Maker Portal

When building solutions in the Maker Portal, you can upload data right into tables.

✅ Best for: Low-code developers managing data alongside app development 🛠 How to use:

• Go to Power Apps Maker Portal

• Open a table > Click Edit data in Excel or Get data

• Import your Excel file directly

📌 Pro Tip: Works seamlessly for structured Excel sheets and leverages your environment’s context.

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🔄 4. Dataflows

Dataflows are powerful ETL tools that allow you to pull data from external sources (SQL, SharePoint, Excel Online, etc.) into Dataverse.

✅ Best for: Scheduled or automated data syncs from various sources 🛠 How to use:

• Go to the Power Apps portal

• Choose Data > Dataflows

• Create a new dataflow and define your source, transformation, and destination

📌 Pro Tip: Perfect for recurring integrations and building data pipelines without heavy coding.

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✅ Wrapping Up

Choosing the right import method depends on your data volume, source, and frequency. Whether it’s a quick Excel import or a fully automated data pipeline with Dataflows, Dataverse gives you the flexibility to scale your data management needs.

👉 What’s your go-to method for importing data into Dataverse?

Let me know your thoughts or tips in the comments! 💬 #PowerPlatform #Dataverse #DataImport #Dynamics365 #PowerApps #LowCode #Microsoft