How to Combine Multiple Contact Sheets with Different Column Names

Bailey S. · 2025-12-22T09:12:12.354Z

Hi, i have multiple sheets containing contacts what would be the best way to combine these as most of the columns have slightly different names?

How to Combine Multiple Contact Sheets with Different Column Names | Clay

Clay Support
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For combining multiple sheets with different column names, use our Write to Table integration to transfer data between tables first.
Once data is in your destination table, you can:
Rename columns to standardize names across sheets [1]
Merge columns by clicking Add Column → Merge Columns and writing a formula to combine data [2]
Before we dive deeper, I'd recommend trying Sculptor (our built-in AI tool in the top-right corner) - it can help you build workflows for combining tables automatically. Give it a try and let me know if that helps!
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Bailey S.
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so will i have to use a merge for all columns?
Clay Support
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No, you don't need to merge every column. You have a few options:
Rename columns to standardize names across your sheets - just click the column header and select "Rename". [1]
Use merge columns selectively - only for columns where you actually want to combine data from multiple sources into one column. [2]
Use Write to Table to transfer data between sheets first, then you can organize columns as needed in your destination table.
The merge feature is mainly for when you want to combine data from different columns, not just for having different column names.
Clay Support
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Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
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If you still need help with combining your sheets or using the merge feature, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to achieve so we can continue?
Bailey S.
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im all good thanks
Clay Support
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Glad I could help. Let me know if you need anything else.
Bailey S.
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what does the "Select a list from a column" when writing to a table mean?
Clay Support
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"Select a list from a column" lets you choose a column that contains lists of items (shown with curly brackets {} in Clay) to map each item as separate rows in your destination table. [1]
For example, if you have a column with multiple email addresses or contacts found at each company, selecting that list column will create individual rows for each email/contact in your new table instead of keeping them grouped together. [2]
This is optional - you can also write individual values without selecting a list column. [3]
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Is that what you were looking for?
Bailey S.
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all it did was create a new column
Clay Support
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When Write to Table creates just a new column, you need to map the data from that source column to your destination table. Click into the source cell, hover over the field, then click "Add to column" to either create a new column or map to an existing one. [1]
If you selected a list column during setup, it should create separate rows for each item in the list rather than just a column. [2]
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Saad A.
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Hey Bailey S. - should i help you with that, if it's not resolved?

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