CSV Bulk Import
CSV bulk import turns a spreadsheet of destination URLs into a library of short links in one operation — no API integration, no one-at-a-time dashboard clicking.
Definition
CSV bulk import is the ability to create multiple short links simultaneously by uploading a structured CSV file to Cuttly. The upload triggers a batch link creation process that generates short links for every valid row in the file, returning results with the generated short URLs and any error details.
CSV File Structure
The CSV file supports up to three columns:
First column (required) — Full destination URL
Example: https://www.google.com/search?q=cuttly+url+shortener
Second column (optional) — Domain and/or alias
https://yourbrnd.link/alias— short link on your custom domain with your own alias *https://yourbrnd.link— short link on your custom domain with a random alias **alias— short link on the cutt.ly domain with your own alias ***
Third column (optional) — Tag
Campaign tag to assign to the imported links
If the system cannot use the provided alias (e.g. the alias is already taken), a random alias is assigned automatically. If other issues occur, details appear in the status column of the import results.
Separator Options
Cuttly supports three column separator types — select the one that matches your CSV file before uploading:
- Semicolon (;) — default selection
- Comma (,)
- Tab
After uploading, verify the preview of your links in the interface. If you see "undefined" in any column, the separator is incorrect — switch to the correct one and re-upload.
Add UTM Parameters to All URLs
Before uploading your CSV, you can enable the "Add UTM parameters to all URLs" option. This opens a UTM parameter form where you enter the UTM values (source, medium, campaign, and optionally content and term) to be appended to every destination URL in the batch. This applies the same UTM parameters across all links in the import simultaneously.
Import Processing
Bulk import processing in Cuttly is asynchronous — it runs in scheduled intervals and may take up to one hour to complete. After uploading:
- Click "Import results" to monitor import progress
- The results view shows generated short URLs for each row
- Any rows with errors show details in the status column — allowing you to identify and correct issues
When to Use Bulk Import vs the API
| Scenario | Best approach |
|---|---|
| Creating 500 product links from a catalogue spreadsheet (one-time) | CSV bulk import |
| Creating links automatically when new products are added | API |
| Non-developer creating campaign links from a spreadsheet | CSV bulk import |
| Creating links in real time in response to user signups | API |
| Migrating an existing link library from another platform | CSV bulk import |
| Creating per-user referral links for 10,000 users | API |
Related Terms
FAQ
What is the CSV format for Cuttly bulk import?
Three columns: (1) Full destination URL — required; (2) Domain/alias — optional, three formats: full URL with alias, domain only (random alias), or alias only (cutt.ly domain); (3) Campaign tag — optional. Separator: semicolon (default), comma or tab. If "undefined" appears in the preview, change the separator.
When should I use CSV bulk import instead of the API?
Bulk import for one-time batch operations from a spreadsheet — no coding required. API for programmatic, event-driven or continuous link creation. Import is asynchronous and may take up to one hour; API is real-time.
- ← Encyclopedia Index
- API & Integrations
- API (REST)
- API Rate Limits
- CSV Export & Reporting
- Integrations: Zapier / Make
- In Cuttly
- Short Links for Developers
- Plans & Pricing
URL Shortener
Cuttly simplifies link management by offering a user-friendly URL shortener that includes branded short links. Boost your brand’s growth with short, memorable, and engaging links, while seamlessly managing and tracking your links using Cuttly's versatile platform. Generate branded short links, create customizable QR codes, build link-in-bio pages, and run interactive surveys—all in one place.
Cuttly More Than Just a URL Shortener
Cuttly is a comprehensive, ever-evolving platform for link shortening that combines innovation and user-friendliness to deliver a seamless experience in managing and shortening URLs.
