ExtendInsights Salesforce allows you to prepare data in Excel and upload it directly to Salesforce. You can enter data manually, copy and paste it from another system, or use Excel formulas to prepare your records.
This article explains how to create new Salesforce records using an ExtendInsights template.
š„ Watch the Video
Watch the video below or follow the written steps in this article.
Interface update: Existing video may show an earlier version of ExtendInsights. In the current interface, Proceed is now Insert Template, and record-management operations are available under Actions.
ā Before You Begin
Confirm that:
The ExtendInsights Excel Data Connector is installed.
You are signed in and connected to the correct Salesforce environment.
Your Salesforce user can create records for the selected object.
You know which fields Salesforce requires.
Your active worksheet is blank before inserting a template.
Your source data has been reviewed for missing or duplicate information.
Required fields may vary based on your Salesforce configuration, validation rules, and customizations.
Step 1: Plan Your Template
Identify the Salesforce object and fields required for the records you want to create.
This example creates Opportunity records using the following fields:
Opportunity Name
Close Date
Stage
Amount
Type
Lead Source
For standard Opportunity records, Opportunity Name, Close Date, and Stage are typically required. Your Salesforce organization may require additional fields.
š” Tip: Review the Salesforce page layout, required fields, picklist values, and validation rules before building the template. This helps reduce upload errors.
Step 2: Create or Load a Template
Templates map Excel columns to Salesforce fields.
To build a new template, select Create a New Template.
To reuse an existing configuration, load a saved template from the Template Repository.
When creating a new template:
Select the appropriate Salesforce connection.
Select the Salesforce object.
Add the fields required for your process.
Select Apply.
Review the field order and configuration.
Select Insert Template.
ā ļø Important: Inserting a template replaces the existing contents of the active worksheet. Always begin with a blank worksheet.
Step 3: Enter Your Data
Enter the new record data into the mapped Excel columns.
You can prepare the data in several ways:
Enter values manually: Type directly into the worksheet.
Use Cell Operations: Search for and select valid Salesforce picklist or reference values.
Copy and paste: Copy prepared data from another worksheet or source system.
Use Excel formulas: Reference or transform information from other worksheets.
Leave the Record ID Blank
ExtendInsights uses the Salesforce record ID to determine whether a row should create a new record or update an existing one.
Record ID | Upload Result |
Blank | Creates a new Salesforce record and returns the generated ID. |
Populated | Updates the existing Salesforce record associated with that ID. |
When creating new records, leave the record ID column blank.
Step 4: Review the Data
Before uploading, confirm that:
Every required field contains a value.
Picklist values match valid Salesforce options.
Dates, numbers, and currency values use supported formats.
Reference fields point to valid Salesforce records.
The record ID column is blank.
Duplicate or incomplete rows have been removed.
The correct Salesforce connection is active.
š” Tip: Test a new template with a small number of rows before processing a larger dataset.
Step 5: Upload the Records
Select the rows you want to process.
Expand Actions in the ExtendInsights task pane.
Select Upload Rows.
Wait for the upload to finish before editing the worksheet or starting another operation.
After processing:
Successfully created rows display a green status indicator.
Salesforce returns the generated record ID to the record ID column.
Failed rows display an error message in Column A.
Step 6: Validate the Results
After the upload finishes:
Review the status displayed for each row.
Confirm that successful rows contain generated Salesforce record IDs.
Review any errors displayed in Column A.
Correct the affected values and upload only the failed rows again.
Verify a sample of the newly created records directly in Salesforce.
Use Refresh Rows to retrieve the latest Salesforce values when needed.
Best Practices
Start with a small test upload.
Include only the fields needed for the business process.
Confirm required fields and validation rules before uploading.
Use Cell Operations to select valid picklist and reference values.
Leave the record ID blank when creating records.
Remove duplicate and incomplete rows before uploading.
Review every selected row before starting the upload.
Correct and reprocess only the rows that failed.
Verify high-impact uploads directly in Salesforce.
Save frequently used templates with clear, descriptive names.
Creating Related Records
A template is connected to a primary Salesforce object. If you need to create related records, such as Accounts and Contacts:
Create the parent records first, such as Accounts.
Capture the Salesforce IDs returned after the upload.
Use those IDs when preparing the related records, such as Contacts.
Upload the related records using the appropriate template.
This ensures each child record is associated with the correct parent.
Next Steps
š¬ Need Help?
If you need assistance:
Use the in-app messenger inside ExtendInsights.
Start a chat from the bottom-right corner of the support site.
Include the Salesforce object, template name, connection, affected rows, and any error messages or screenshots.