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76 changes: 76 additions & 0 deletions docs/articles/new-expensify/workspaces/Import-Merchant-Rules.md
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---
title: Import Merchant Rules using a spreadsheet
description: Learn how to bulk-create Merchant Rules by importing a spreadsheet, and how Tag values are interpreted for single-level and multi-level tags.
keywords: [New Expensify, import merchant rules, merchant rules spreadsheet, bulk merchant rules, import rules CSV, workspace rules, multi-level tags import]
internalScope: Audience is Workspace Admins on the Control plan with Rules enabled. Covers bulk-creating Merchant Rules by importing a spreadsheet and how Tag cells are interpreted for single-level and multi-level tags. Does not cover creating Merchant Rules manually, personal expense rules, or importing tags themselves.
---

# Import Merchant Rules using a spreadsheet

Importing a spreadsheet lets Workspace Admins create many Merchant Rules at once instead of adding them one at a time. Map each column in your file to a merchant rule field, and Expensify creates a rule for every row so matching expenses are automatically coded.

---

## Who can import Merchant Rules

To import Merchant Rules, you must be:

- A Workspace Admin.
- On a workspace with **Rules** enabled (available on the Control plan).

If **Rules** is not enabled, [learn how to enable Workspace Rules](/articles/new-expensify/workspaces/Workspace-Rules#enable-workspace-rules).

---

## How to import Merchant Rules using a spreadsheet

Prepare a spreadsheet where each row is one rule. Include a column for the merchant to match and a column for each field you want the rule to update (for example, Tag).

1. In the navigation tabs (on the left on web, on the bottom on mobile), click **Workspaces > [workspace name]**.
2. Click **Rules**.
3. If the **Rules** page shows tabs, select the **Expense defaults** tab.
4. Click **More**, then select **Import merchant rules**.
5. Upload your spreadsheet file.
6. Map each column to a merchant rule field. Map the merchant column to **Merchant is** or **Merchant contains**, and map at least one field to update, such as **Updated merchant**, **Updated category**, **Updated tag**, or **Updated description**.
7. Click **Import**.

<!-- SCREENSHOT:
Suggestion: The column-mapping screen with a spreadsheet column mapped to Merchant is and another mapped to Updated tag.
Location: After step 6.
Purpose: Confirms admins are on the correct mapping screen and shows how to pair a spreadsheet column with a specific merchant rule field, which is the step most likely to cause confusion.
-->

You must map at least one **Merchant is** or **Merchant contains** column plus at least one field to update, or the import can't complete.

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## How Tag values are interpreted when importing Merchant Rules

How a colon in a Tag cell is read depends on how your workspace tags are set up **at the time of import**, so set up your tags before importing. Learn more about [expense tags](/articles/new-expensify/workspaces/Create-and-manage-expense-tags).

- **Workspace with multi-level tags:** A colon separates tag levels. A Tag cell of `Parent: Child` is imported as a multi-level tag with the first level set to `Parent` and the second level set to `Child`. Any spaces around the colon are trimmed.
- **Workspace with a single-level tag list:** A colon is part of the tag name. A Tag cell of `ab:cd` is imported as one tag named `ab:cd`.

---

## What happens after you import Merchant Rules

- A confirmation message shows how many Merchant Rules were added.
- Rules that duplicate an existing rule are skipped.
- Each new rule appears in the **Merchant** section of the **Rules** page and is applied to matching expenses going forward.

---

# FAQ

## Why did some rows not import as Merchant Rules?

A row is skipped when it duplicates an existing rule, or when the required columns aren't mapped. Make sure you mapped a **Merchant is** or **Merchant contains** column plus at least one field to update.

## Why did my imported Tag value display differently than expected?

Tag cells are interpreted based on your workspace tag setup at the time of import. On a workspace with multi-level tags, a colon splits the value into tag levels; on a workspace with a single-level tag list, the colon stays part of the tag name. Set up your tags before importing so the values are read the way you intend.

## Can I import Merchant Rules on mobile?

Yes. You can import Merchant Rules on both web and mobile from the **Rules** page. On a smaller screen you choose the file rather than drag and drop it.
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