1. Prepare the CSV before importing
Use one row for each Trello card you want to create. Keep the first row for column names and remove empty rows, merged cells, spreadsheet formulas, and presentation-only headings.
| Column | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| card_title | The short, recognizable card name. | Confirm project scope |
| description | Context that belongs in the card body. | Review the scope with the project owner |
| list_name | The destination list for the card. | To Do |
Import five representative rows before running a large migration. Include a long description, an empty optional value, and at least two destination lists.
2. Map CSV columns to Trello fields
Open JSON/CSV Importer from the destination board and select the prepared file. Map the source column containing the task name to the card title, the longer text column to the description, and the status or stage column to list placement.
Do not guess when two columns contain similar data. A preview is easier to correct than a board filled with cards whose titles and descriptions were reversed.
3. Preview and run the Trello import
- Confirm the number of records matches the number of expected cards.
- Check several records from the beginning, middle, and end of the file.
- Confirm list names are consistent; “In progress” and “In Progress” should not accidentally become separate destinations.
- Start the import and keep the Power-Up open while it reports progress or errors.
4. Verify the resulting Trello board
After the import, compare the board with the source file. Count the created cards, open several records, confirm descriptions, and check that cards landed in the intended lists.
Keep the original CSV as the source snapshot. If you need to repeat the import, correct the source file first and use a clean test board to avoid accidental duplicates.
Common CSV-to-Trello mistakes
- Importing the entire spreadsheet before testing a representative sample.
- Using inconsistent list names or invisible trailing spaces.
- Putting several separate tasks into one row.
- Assuming every spreadsheet feature has a direct Trello equivalent.
- Skipping the post-import count and spot check.
Ready to import the file?
JSON/CSV Importer provides a visible upload, field-mapping, preview, and progress workflow inside Trello.
Explore the Trello CSV Importer