Can Webflow automatically map the "Providers" to the referenced collection when importing new "Articles" via CSV?

Webflow does not automatically map referenced collections like "Providers" when importing new "Articles" via CSV unless the values exactly match existing reference items.

To ensure proper mapping during CSV import, follow these steps:

1. Match Reference Field Values Exactly

• Webflow uses exact text matching to link references during import.
• In your “Articles” CSV, the column for the “Providers” reference must use the exact name of the referenced item from the “Providers” collection.
• For example, if a Provider is titled “Acme Health”, ensure the CSV row contains “Acme Health”, not a variation like “Acme” or “acme health”.

2. Pre-Create All Referenced Items

• Before importing “Articles”, make sure every referenced “Provider” already exists in the “Providers” collection.
• If a referenced item doesn't exist, Webflow will throw an error and skip importing the corresponding “Article”.

3. Format the CSV Correctly for Multi-Reference Fields

• If the “Providers” field allows multiple references, separate them using semicolons (;), e.g., “Acme Health; Beta Clinic”.
• Each name must still exactly match a separate Provider in your collection.

4. Import the CSV in the CMS

• Go to Webflow Designer > CMS > Articles Collection > Import.
• Upload your CSV and map the “Providers” field to the reference field in “Articles”.
• Webflow will attempt to match based on the string values provided.

5. Handle Unmatched References Manually

• After import, any entries lacking proper matches must be manually fixed.
• Webflow doesn't create new reference items automatically during import.

Summary

Webflow will map referenced fields like “Providers” during CSV import only if the values match existing items exactly. Ensure referenced items already exist and format your CSV with precise text values (semicolons for multi-references) to ensure proper importing.