Importing data into an existing file
You can import data into an existing FileMaker Pro file from another FileMaker Pro file or from a file created by another application. The records you import become the found set. When you import, you can add new records, or update existing or matching records.
Tip  If you routinely import data from the same source, you can automate the process by setting up recurring imports. Data imported via recurring import is read-only in FileMaker Pro. See Setting up recurring imports.
This topic explains how to import from a file that is in a format that FileMaker Pro supports. To import from other sources, see the following topics:
 
ODBC data
To import data into an existing file:
1.
For a list of supported file types, see Supported import/export file formats.
2.
Important  Updating existing or matching records overwrites data in the target file and cannot be undone. Choose File menu > Save a Copy As to make a backup copy of the target file. Make sure you understand how updating records works. See Methods of importing data into an existing file.
3.
See Finding records. FileMaker Pro determines the found set to import from the foreground window in the source file. If you import records from a closed file or an open file that is not displaying any windows, FileMaker imports all the records, regardless of any found set.
4.
5.
If the target file contains multiple tables, use the Layout pop-up menu to display a layout from the table that you want to import data into.
The layout doesn’t have to display all the fields in the table. You will be able to specify the fields that you want to import to in the Import Field Mapping dialog box.
6.
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7.
Choose File menu > Import Records > File.
8.
To narrow the choices in the list of files, for Files of type (Windows) or Show (OS X), choose a file type. Or, choose All Files to see all the files in the current folder that you can import.
9.
Click Open.
If you’re importing from a Microsoft Excel file that contains more than one worksheet or includes a named range, you see the Specify Excel Data dialog box. Choose the worksheet or named range to import, then click Continue.
10.
 
For more information about importing data into a new table, see About creating a new table for imported data.
11.
For details on using the Import Field Mapping dialog box and finishing the import process, see Setting the import action and mapping fields during import.
Related topics 
Supported import/export file formats
Sorting records
Records script steps