---
title: "How do I create import maps for pay period data?"
slug: "how-do-i-create-import-maps-for-pay-period-data"
updated: 2026-06-10T13:05:16Z
published: 2026-06-10T13:05:16Z
canonical: "help.cintra.co.uk/how-do-i-create-import-maps-for-pay-period-data"
---

> ## 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.

# How do I create import maps for pay period data?

## Batch imports and import maps

Payroll data such as ad hoc payments and deductions can be entered into **Cintra iQ** by bulk using batches. Ad hoc **Payroll Period Input** data can be holiday pay, overtime, bonuses, etc.

- The batches of **Payroll Period Input** data can be either directly entered into a template defined previously or imported from **.csv** files that have been mapped to templates.
- Any records that have been generated from a batch can be amended via the batch or in payroll period input.
- Any records that are in a batch are posted to the employee records immediately once the batch is closed.
- All batches can be amended at any time prior to the period being closed.

Cost Centre Allocation data can be included in batches, eliminating the need for manual journal entries to be made, post payroll processing.

Within Cintra iQ, you can create a Standard or Template Payroll Import Map, which can be used as the basis for importing a batch of Pay Period data. Once the map is created, it can be selected on the New Batch form.

## To create an import map

1. Navigate to the **Payroll Import Maps** window.
  - Go to **Cintra iQ**: Payroll > Payroll Setup > Import Maps.
2. Click the **New** button. The **New Import Map** dialogue appears.
3. Enter the **Import Map Name**.
4. Enter the **Description**.
5. Select whether the map is either of the following:
  - **Standard Import:** A standard import map contains all pay values in one column with a payment heading (adjustment) name or code in a separate column.
  - **Template Import:** A template import map contains specific payment headings in separate columns on the file that is to be imported. If you want to input predefined payment and deduction headings that are in separate columns, use the **Template Import Map**.
6. Click the **Next** button.
7. Select the **Import** file from the desired location. The **Standard/Template Batch Import Map** window appears.
8. Click the **Load Columns** button. The **Column** names appears in the **Column Mappings** pane and the **Specify Column Headers** dialogue appears.
  1. Specify the number of column and rows, if necessary.
  2. Click the **OK** button.
9. Map the desired adjustment headers to the desired columns.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/fc2cda72-4645-4b36-96bf-60439ec11f11/Images/Documentation/NFzkmnjLlZxCPAHfF7mmNHcMzW9UGpqDHQ.png)
  1. To do this, select a column header on the left, then either double-click the relevant adjustment heading on the right.
  2. If you change the mapping file, click **Load Columns** to reload the column headers.
10. Click the **OK** button. The map appears in the **Payroll Import Maps** window.

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** Ensure any spreadsheets are saved as .csv before importing to Cintra iQ.

## Applying the import map to the new Batch Input record

1. In the main toolbar of Cintra iQ, click the **Batch** icon.
2. In the Batch Input window, select the correct **payroll** and **payroll period**.
3. Right-click in the main window, then click **New**.
4. In the **New Batch** form, select the appropriate import map (standard import map or template import map).
5. Click **Next**, locate and select the file, then click **Open**.
6. Specify the number of header lines in the file, then click **OK**.
7. In the Import screen, select the correct map from the **Use Map** drop-down, then click **Use Map**.
8. The pre-defined mapping will then be applied. Click **Next** to continue entering data.
  1. For more information, see [Guide: Batch input of payroll data](/iq/docs/guide-batch-input-of-payroll-data).