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Import WordPress attachments from any xml or csv file

Import or update existing attachments in the WordPress media library, including all core attachment fields, author, custom taxonomy terms and custom fields.

Creating a WordPress attachment importer

When creating an importer using ImportWP, to import attachments into the WordPress media library you need to select the Attachment option from the What are you wanting to import dropdown.

Attachment importer template

After creating the importer you you need to configure which sections of your import file need to be mapped to the attachment fields, this can be configured on the Template fields step, under the section titled Attachment.

By default no fields are visible, you can enable or disable all attachment fields via the Enable Fields button, when clicked a list of available fields will appear that once selected will toggled their visability.

Attachment fields

OptionsDescription
IDThe ID field is only used as a reference to existing fields
TitleSet the title of the attachment
DescriptionSet the main attachment description.
CaptionSet the attachment caption
Alt TextSet the attachment alt text
SlugManually set the slug, otherwise it is generated based on the attachment title.
FileUpload or attach a new media file
StatusSet the post status from the dropdown of available statuses.
ParentSelect the attachment parent from the dropdown field, or enable the text field to use the data selector tool to choose element from import file.
OrderSet the menu order for this attachment.
AuthorSet the attachment author from a dropdown of WordPress Users.
PasswordSet the attachment password
DateSet the published date
Allow CommentsSet if the attachment has comments enabled.
Allow PingbacksSet if the attachment allows pingbacks.

Attachment Parent

Select the attachment parent from the dropdown field, or enable the text field to use the data selector tool to choose element from import file, depending on your chosen file element you can change the reference type via the sub field Parent Field Type of either (ID, Slug, Name or Reference Column).

Selecting the reference column allows you to identify the parent record based on the Parent field value matching the Value set in the reference column.

Attachment Author

Set the attachment author from a dropdown of WordPress Users.

Attachment Taxonomies

Attachment taxonomies allow you to import custom taxonomies terms that are linked to your attachments, if your plugin or theme registeres any taxonomies the Taxonomies tab will appear allowing you to setup as many taxonomies as nessessary for your import.

Read a Guide on how to import WordPress Taxonomies

Custom Fields

Custom fields allow you to import extra attachment data which your theme or plugins may use, this could be sub headings, or search engine keywords/descriptions for SEO plugins.

Custom fields keys are manually entered, or can be populated via a predefined list of popular values.

Read a Guide on how to import WordPress custom fields.