> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://zite.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Import data to your Zite database
> Import existing data into a new Zite workspace or an existing database.
## Overview
Use `Import` when the data you need already exists in a CSV file, Google Sheet, Airtable base, or another connected source. Importing creates or updates database tables so the records can be used by apps, forms, views, and workflows in the same workspace.
From Home, `Import data` or `New` then `Migrate` can open the [migration hub](/help/platform/migrate-from/overview), where you pick the tool you are leaving.
You can import up to 250,000 records at once, letting you move large datasets faster. A new workspace can take up to 20 CSV files, with one table per file.
## Import into a new workspace
From the Home tab, select `New`, then `Database`. Zite provisions a new workspace with its own database.
On the Create workspace screen, select `Import` rather than `Blank database`.
Select the source that contains your data. You can upload CSV or Excel files, or connect a supported source such as Google Sheets or Airtable. When a connection is needed, sign in and choose the source file, spreadsheet, or base to import.
A new workspace can take up to 20 CSV files, with one table per file. This includes choosing `Import` on the Create workspace screen.
Review the tables, field names, field types, and sample records before confirming the import. Zite creates the selected data in the new workspace database.
## Import into an existing workspace
Use an existing workspace when the imported data should work alongside the apps, forms, editors, app users, and records already there.
### Add Airtable tables to this workspace
From the workspace database, choose to create a table from Airtable, pick a base, then click **Import**. Zite adds every table in that base after the tables already there. If a name is taken, the new table gets a number, for example **Furniture (2)**.
You can also start this from the workspace Integrations area when an Airtable account is connected:
* **Move to Zite Database** next to the account. Hover to see **Import my base**. If you close that card with **X**, it won't come back.
* **Import to Zite Database** at the top of that account's **⋯** menu. This is always there, so use it after closing the card.
The import runs in the background. The import screen shows live progress, and you can close it at any time. Progress then shows in the progress notice and on the workspace home. This import doesn't show the migration welcome dialog or a **Migrate more** card.
* Only one import can run in a workspace at a time. While one is running or stopped partway, you can't start another. Backups and restores can't start while an import is in progress.
* If the import stops, click **Resume** to continue where it left off, without duplicating records. If Airtable access was lost, **Reconnect Airtable** is offered. **Start a new import** (after a confirmation) ends the stopped import for good.
* When it finishes, the import screen shows every step done and opens the first new table. Anything that didn't come across is listed in the finished notice.
### Add a file or connected source
Use this when the data should become a new table or be added to a table that already exists. Importing into an existing table still works the usual way. It does not run in the background, and a CSV import takes one file.
Open the workspace, then open its database. Decide whether the incoming data should become a new table or be added to an existing table.
Choose the import option for the new or existing table, then select a CSV file or connected source such as Google Sheets or Airtable.
Check which source columns map to database fields. Update the mapping or field types when needed, then confirm the import.
## After import
After the import finishes, review the database before connecting it to other parts of the workspace:
* Check table names, field types, and sample records
* Add linked records or views when the imported data needs more structure
* Add editors when teammates need to manage the database or build apps
* Grant **Use Access** when organization members need to use an internal app
* Connect the database to apps or forms when people need to view, submit, update, or approve records
## Common import sources
| Import source | Best for |
| - | - |
| **CSV** | One-time imports from spreadsheets or exported systems. A new workspace can take up to 20 files, with one table per file. An existing table takes one file. |
| [**Google Sheets**](/help/integrations/google-sheets) | Team data that is already maintained in Sheets. |
| [**Excel**](/help/integrations/excel) | Spreadsheet files stored as Excel workbooks. |
| [**Airtable**](/help/integrations/airtable) | Structured operational data that already lives in Airtable bases and tables. |
Import into a new workspace when the data belongs to a new business system. Use an existing workspace when the data should be shared with its apps, forms, editors, and app users.
Related topics
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