# Import Kumu's import feature makes it possible to map your existing data, without recreating every bit of it by hand. {% hint style="warning" %} Before you import your data, make sure to [structure it for Kumu to understand](/guides/import/import.md). {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} Full video on importing data {% endembed %} ## Three options for importing data Kumu offers three ways to import data. Read about them below! ## **Excel /CSV** An Excel sheet or a Comma Separated Value (CSV) file is one of the most common ways to hold and edit data. **Pros** * Most platforms allow you to export data into an .xlsx or a .csv file. You'll then be able to easily [structure it for Kumu](/guides/import/import.md) and import it into your project * Great for bulk-editing data by dragging cells and using formulas in your Excel sheet **Cons** * Not great for cases where data requires frequent updating: each edit to your Excel sheet requires a re-import into Kumu * Re-imports into Kumu increase the chances of duplicating data. Read how to prevent this in [this guide](/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-i-avoid-duplicating-data.md) * As soon as you make changes to your data directly in Kumu, your Excel sheet will be outdated. (Luckily, you can always [export your Kumu map](/guides/export.md) into an Excel sheet to get the most updated version again) [Visit our guide to import data with Excel/CSV here](/guides/import/excel-csv.md) ## **Google Sheets** Google Sheets provides online spreadsheets that can be edited by multiple people at the same time. **Pros** * Updates data in your Kumu map after each page refresh * Great for crowdsourcing: allow people to add/edit their data without giving direct access to the Kumu map * Allows for real-time collaboration: multiple people can work on the sheet at the same time * Allows for versioning and activity-tracking: you can always see who made changes and/or restore to an earlier version of your data **Cons** * Data in Kumu is read-only. Any changes to underlying data must be made in the Google Sheet. * Some Kumu features (such as [pinning elements in place](/frequently-asked-questions/how-do-keep-elements-from-moving.md), [popovers](/guides/decorate/popovers.md), and [direct decorations](/guides/decorate/direct-decorations.md)) don’t work for maps connected to a Google Sheet [Visit our guide to import data with Google Sheets here](/guides/import/google-sheets.md) ## **JSON / Blueprints** You can create our JSON imports—we call them **blueprints**—in any language from any dataset. Kumu can interpret JSON files and JSON remote links. A JSON file simply holds data structures and objects, while a JSON link is commonly used for transmitting data between web applications (e.g., sending some data from an external server to Kumu, so it can be displayed on your map). **Pros** * A remote JSON link is the closest thing Kumu has to a public API * JSON files are great to use as downloadable backups of your project **Cons** * Not easy for bulk-editing data * Requires knowledge of JSON-structured data or a willingness to learn [Visit our guide to import data with JSON here](/guides/import/blueprints.md) {% hint style="success" %} Want to dive right in? [Find some example data sets here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_xoIFJ2snCcxta1Fw8AwrxWCe5YlKXCW?usp=sharing). Need some inspiration? [Find some Kumu Projects in the Wild here.](https://kumu.io/kumu/projects-in-the-wild#projects-in-the-wild) Want to add your Kumu project to Projects in the Wild? [Submit it here.](https://form.typeform.com/to/aUUuSLnj) {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.kumu.io/guides/import.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.