---
title: "Guide: Importing data into Cintra iQ"
slug: "guide-importing-data-into-cintra-iq"
updated: 2026-06-10T11:18:59Z
published: 2026-06-10T11:18:59Z
canonical: "help.cintra.co.uk/guide-importing-data-into-cintra-iq"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.cintra.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Guide: Importing data into Cintra iQ

Cintra iQ provides a Data Import feature allowing the import of data. This can range from the initial loading of data required to set the system up, to updating salary payments once a year. When importing data, there are certain fields that are mandatory for identifying a record for update, and certain fields that are mandatory for inserting a new record.

In general, when importing data, if an existing record can be identified for update, it will be updated. If an existing record cannot be identified, an attempt will be made to insert a new record.

The articles below will help you prepare your data import, set up data mappings, then perform the import. We've also provided a couple of typical examples of file imports.

- [Preparation: Preparing your file for import](/iq/docs/preparing-your-file-for-import)
- [Importing: Importing your data](/iq/docs/importing-data)
- [Data import mappings: Managing data import mappings](/iq/docs/managing-data-import-mappings)
- [Examples: Examples of typical data imports](/iq/docs/examples-of-typical-data-imports)

### More information

For importing payroll data, see [Guide: Batch input of payroll data](/iq/docs/guide-batch-input-of-payroll-data).