Overview

The Import Responses feature allows you to upload survey responses collected outside SurveySensum and add them to an existing survey. You can import new responses using a CSV file or update existing responses by overwriting previously imported data.

During the import process, SurveySensum automatically maps your file columns to survey questions and contact properties, allowing you to review and modify the mappings before importing.

When to use it:

• Migrate responses from another platform.
• Import offline or externally collected survey data.
• Consolidate responses into a single survey for reporting.
• Update existing imported responses with revised data.

Update Existing Responses overwrites previously imported responses. If you are importing responses for the first time, select Import New Responses.

Key Use Cases

• Import survey responses collected outside SurveySensum.
• Upload historical survey data.
• Import responses from CSV files.
• Map imported columns to survey questions and contact properties.
• Track previous imports using Import History.

Importing New Responses

You can import new responses directly from the Report section of your survey.

Steps to Import Responses

1. Open the survey.
2. Navigate to Report.
3. Click Import Responses.
4. Select Import New Responses.
   

Uploading the Response File

Before uploading your data, download the response template to ensure your CSV follows the expected structure.

Steps

1. Click Download to download the response template.
2. Populate the template with your survey responses.
3. Save the file in CSV format.
4. Upload the completed CSV file by dragging it into the upload area or clicking Upload CSV.
   

Only CSV files are supported for response imports.

Use the actual question text as the column headers in your CSV file. Variable names or internal question codes cannot be auto-mapped.

Ensure the questions in your CSV match the questions already created in the survey builder before importing responses.

Mapping Survey Fields

After uploading the file, SurveySensum automatically maps the uploaded columns to survey questions and contact properties.

Each imported column displays:

• Mapping status
• Uploaded column name
• Sample values from the file
• Corresponding SurveySensum field

If any field is mapped incorrectly, you can manually select the appropriate survey question or contact property before completing the import.

Configuring Date Formats

If your imported file contains date or date-time values, you'll be prompted to specify the format before the import begins.

You can choose between:

• Date
• DateTime

For DateTime fields, you can also:

• Select the appropriate date and time format.
• Enable the 12-hour time format, if required.

Completing the Import

Once all fields have been mapped and any required date formats have been configured:

1. Click Finish.
2. Review any remaining unmapped fields.
3. Click Save.

SurveySensum starts processing the imported responses in the background.

Viewing Import History

After an import is initiated, a new Import History section becomes available in the Report module.

Import History provides details about every import, including:

• Import status
• Import name
• Import type
• Number of imported or updated responses
• User who performed the import
• Last import date and time
• Download option for the imported file

You can also start additional imports directly from the Import History page using the Import CSV button.

Viewing Imported Responses

Once the import is successfully completed:

• Imported responses become available in the Responses module.
• Survey metrics and reports are automatically updated.
• Imported data is reflected in the Report Overview alongside other survey responses.

This allows imported responses to be analyzed using the same reporting and dashboard features as responses collected directly through SurveySensum.

Important Notes

• Import responses using a CSV file.
• Review automatic mappings before completing the import.
• Date and DateTime fields require format selection during import.
• Import History maintains a record of all completed imports.
• Imported responses are automatically included in survey reports and analytics.

Selecting Update Existing Responses overwrites matching existing responses. Use this option only when you want to update previously imported data.