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Creating Attributes via Import Wizard in CRM 2011

Post Author: Joe D365 |

Instead of manually creating dozens of new fields, you can use the Import Wizard in CRM 2011 to save some time. By having a simply source file that contains these fields, you can technically create new fields programmatically.

For this post, we'll create a new Option Set, Decimal and a Two Option field on the Account record.

Here are the steps:

1. Create an Excel file with the fields you need created:

2. For an Option Set, add the desired available options in a separate row as shown in the image below.

3. If there are any required fields on the Account form, I'll have to add those fields as well. In this example, the Account Name field is the only required in CRM.

Creating Attributes via Import Wizard in CRM 2011

4. Save the file as a .csv file.

5. Launch the Import Data Wizard from the ribbon in CRM.

import wizard in CRM 2011

6. Select your .csv file.

Excel file for import wizard in CRM 2011

7. Select the appropriate entity (in this case, Account).

Creating Attributes via Import Wizard in CRM 2011

8. Map the Account Name Field from the source to the target field in CRM.

Creating Attributes via Import Wizard in CRM 2011

9. For the new fields, select Create New Field, then select the appropriate Data Type.

Note: The wizard will not allow you to create all data types. Global Option Sets, Currency and Multiple Lines of Text are not an option. To create fields with these data types, you'll need to do it the old-fashioned way.

10. For a Two Option field or Option Set field, the new Values will be created automatically.

Creating Attributes via Import Wizard in CRM 2011

11. Once all of the fields are mapped, simply complete the wizard and voila! Your new fields have been created. You will still need to add them to the form as desired.

As always, if you need additional assistance with Dynamics CRM, don't hesitate to reach out to PowerObjects.

Happy CRM'ing!


Joe CRM
By Joe D365
Joe D365 is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 superhero who runs on pure Dynamics adrenaline. As the face of PowerObjects, Joe D365’s mission is to reveal innovative ways to use Dynamics 365 and bring the application to more businesses and organizations around the world.

3 comments on “Creating Attributes via Import Wizard in CRM 2011”

  1. Hi Joe,
    I have a non-formatted csv file that contains entity and field names with its values hard coded. I need to create crm records out of this csv file. I am able to create for one entity programmatically Since every entity will have different fields, I will have to create different worksheets for each entity which is a tedious task. My question is how will i read the multiple entity field names from csv file and create crm records programmatically.
    Regards,
    Ganesh A

    1. Hi - so 3 options....option a is to create new worksheets one per entity. Option b is to use custom code to parse your .csv file and create/update data in crm. And option C is to use a 3rd party tool......so we still parse your csv file, but instead of writing custom code we use an adatper to create/update data in crm. Tools that we have often use to assist in such tasks are KingsWaySoft SSIS CRM adapter and Scribe.

  2. Hi - If a user has no customize or admin rights, they can not customize the system even via the file upload feature.

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