How to import products from a URL
Import product data into the Catalog Generator by pasting a link to a publicly accessible CSV file, with no manual upload needed
Table of contents
Overview
With the Catalog Generator, you can now import your product data directly from a link. Instead of manually uploading a file every time, you simply paste a URL to a publicly accessible .csv file and Flipsnack pulls your product data straight from it.
Uploading a file manually and connecting Google Drive still work exactly as before. Importing from a URL is simply a third way to bring your products in, and it is the fastest one when your feed already lives online, for example on your server, in your PIM, or exported by your e-commerce platform.
Requirements:
Plan: Enterprise
A publicly accessible link to your product feed as a .csv file
How to import products from a URL
Step 1: Start creating a catalog with the Catalog Generator. When you reach the Select product feed(s) pop-up, you will see the import options side by side: Google Drive, Upload CSV, and Import URL.

Step 2: Click Import URL. In the Import dialog, paste the link to your product feed in the From URL field, then click Import.

Step 3: Once imported, your feed appears in the list. Select it and click Next to continue building your catalog as usual.
Note: The URL must point to a publicly accessible CSV file. Files behind a login or a private link cannot be imported.
Additional tips
- Not sure how to structure your feed? Prepare your product feed for automation covers the columns and formatting the Catalog Generator expects.
- No feed yet? The Select product feed(s) pop-up includes a Download template link and a demo feed you can try.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still upload my CSV file manually? Yes. Uploading a file and connecting Google Drive work exactly as before. Import URL is an additional option, not a replacement.
What file format does the URL need to point to? A .csv file that is publicly accessible. If the link requires a login or is private, the import will not work.
Next steps
- Create a catalog in Flipsnack with Catalog Generator
- How to prepare your product feed for automation
- How to connect your product data to Flipsnack via API
Need help setting up this feature?
Our team is here to help. Connect with our team experts via the in-app chat for personalized assistance, or contact our sales team.