Import CSV file with MySQL Workbench

CSV imports with MySQL Workbench, is super simple. Since CSV’s are probably the most common data interchange format, it goes without saying that importing CSV data into MySQL is a staple task for all DBA’s and Developers. Continue reading to learn how easy it is using MySQL Workbench…

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Starting out, in the navigation pane, right-click the table you want to import CSV data into and then click Table Data Import Wizard:

mysql-workbench-table-data-import
Choose the Table Data Import Wizard

You are then presented with a Select File to Import option/screen. You can type in the File Path or navigate to the import file using the Browse button:

mysql-workbench-choose-csv-file
Use Browse button to choose csv file for import.

Once the file to import is chosen, a Select Destination screen is displayed with a few options. Here you specify the table you want. By default, the radio select Use existing table: is chosen (or was my case for this import).

If everything here is as you like it, click the Next button:

mysql-workbench-select-destination-table-for-import
Choose destination table for import.

Now a Configure Import Settings screen opens, enabling you to map out the source column data (CSV header row) to the destination column shown in the Dest Column list. I kept all of the defaults as is (which is presented in the below screenshot)

mysql-workbench-configure-import-settings
Choose target columns.

Here you have an Import Data tab. Simply clicking the Next button initiates the process in this step. As the steps are performed by the system – in the background – each radio select (Prepare Import and Import data file) is marked off one after the other.

When the above steps are complete, the Cancel button is grayed out (not clickable). Your only options then are to click either the <Back or Next> button, depending on which step you want to take. By clicking Next>, the import is executed:

mysql-workbench-import-data
Continuing with the import…

Upon completion, an Import Results screen confirms 3 things:

  • The file uploaded and time taken to upload
  • Which table was used
  • How many records (rows) were imported
mysql-workbench-table-data-import
Import complete.

Be sure and visit these other CSV import-Esque posts I have written:


MySQL Workbench is a fantastic graphical interface to use when working with MySQL. It offers tons of features in addition to the ease with which you can import CSV files.

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Josh Otwell has a passion to study and grow as a SQL Developer and blogger. Other favorite activities find him with his nose buried in a good book, article, or the Linux command line. Among those, he shares a love of tabletop RPG games, reading fantasy novels, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Disclaimer: The examples presented in this post are hypothetical ideas of how to achieve similar types of results. They are not the utmost best solution(s). The majority, if not all, of the examples provided, are performed on a personal development/learning workstation-environment and should not be considered production quality or ready. Your particular goals and needs may vary. Use those practices that best benefit your needs and goals. Opinions are my own.

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