What it is
Import lets you add many clients at once from a CSV file, a simple spreadsheet file that Google Contacts, Outlook, Excel and Google Sheets can all save. You can also bring in what each client already owes you, so their statements are right from day one.
Why you’d use it
If your clients are already in another list, typing them in one by one takes hours. An import brings them all in at once.
It can also bring in what each client owed you before InvoiceZen, called an opening balance. It shows on their statement and in the aging report, so you can chase old money from day one.
What you need first
A CSV file: a plain spreadsheet file almost any program can save. Google Contacts and Outlook can export one, and Excel and Google Sheets can save one.
The first row must hold column names. The app recognises names like these:
- Name (or First Name and Last Name, or Company). Every row needs one of these.
- Email, Phone, Address, VAT Number
- Opening Balance: what they owe you, for example 4500 or R 4 500.00
- Opening Balance Date: when that money became due, as 31/08/2026 or 2026-08-31
Put the file where your phone can open it, like Google Drive or iCloud.
How to do it
- On the InvoiceZen tab, tap the settings icon at the top right to open Business Profile.
- Under Tools, tap Import Clients from CSV.
- Tap Select CSV File and choose your file.
- On Map Columns, check what each column will be used for. Tap one to change it, or choose Skip for columns you don’t need. Then tap Preview.
- Check the list. Each client shows New, Duplicate or Error. If there are duplicates, choose Skip All or Overwrite All.
- Tap the Import button. It shows how many clients will be added, for example Import 12 Clients.
- When you see Import Complete, tap Done.
What it costs
Nothing extra. You can import as many clients as you like on any plan.
Common questions
What counts as a duplicate?
A client with the same email address as one you already have. Rows with no email match on name and phone. Overwrite All replaces their details with the file’s, except where the file is blank.
Why is a row marked Error?
The reason shows under the row: no name, or a balance date the app cannot read. Fix it and import again.
What if I leave out the balance date?
The app uses the day you import. That makes old debts look new. If a client has owed you R4 500 since June, put the June date in.
Can I change an opening balance later?
Yes. Open the client, tap Edit, and change Opening Balance (ZAR) and Balance Date.
How do I record a payment against it?
Open the client and tap Record Opening Balance Payment.