How to Import CSV with Update Existing Rows Option Missing

Calvin H. · 2026-01-15T14:10:54.105Z

Hi everyone 👋, I’m trying to import a CSV (from Apify) back into my table to enrich existing leads, but I’m stuck at the import step. The Issue: When I upload my CSV, I do not see the option/text to select "Update existing rows based on a match". The UI seems to skip this choice or defaults to adding new rows. My Workflow (How I navigate): I am inside my active table. 1. I click on Actions (top right) -> Import Data (or Source) -> Upload CSV. 2. After selecting the file, I expect to see the merge options, but they are missing. My Question: Am I using the wrong entry point/button to trigger a merge? Where exactly should I click to ensure I get the "Update existing rows" option? Thanks for the help!

How to Import CSV with Update Existing Rows Option Missing | Clay

Clay Support
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The CSV import process in Clay doesn't include an "Update existing rows based on a match" option. [1] When you import a CSV through Actions → Import, you'll see three destination options: "Add to current table", "Create new table", or "Replace current table".
The "Add to current table" option will append new rows to your existing table rather than updating existing ones. [2] Clay's CSV import is designed to add data, not merge or update existing records.
For updating existing rows with new data, you'd typically need to use other Clay features like the "Write to Other Table" integration or manual data management approaches.
What specific data are you trying to update in your existing leads - are you looking to add new columns of information or modify existing values?
Muhammad S.
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thats not a clay feature
Clay Support
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You're absolutely right - Clay doesn't have a built-in "update existing rows" feature for CSV imports. The CSV import process only offers three options: "Add to current table", "Create new table", or "Replace current table". [1]
For updating existing data with new information from your Apify CSV, you'd need to use workarounds like the Google Sheets integration's "Lookup, Add, or Update Row" action or other manual approaches. [2]
What specific workflow are you trying to achieve with your Apify data?
Calvin H.
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Okay, so how exactly I can add this newly imported Data to the alreaedy existing and correct row in my table?
Clay Support
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You can use the "Send table data" feature to merge your new CSV data with existing rows. Here's how:
1. Go to Actions → Send table data in your current table [1]
2. Select your destination table (the one with existing data)
3. Choose Send row method
4. Map the columns you want to update
When you first send a row, it creates a new row, but for subsequent sends to the same destination, it updates that existing row.
In the destination table, you can then map the incoming data to existing columns by clicking into the source cell, hovering over the field, and selecting "Add to column" or "Map to existing column". [2]
Before we dive deeper, have you tried using Sculptor (the AI tool in the top-right corner)? It can help you set up this workflow quickly and might be the easiest way to get this done.
Muhammad S.
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use merge column function to merge same columns that
Clay Support
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You can use the merge columns feature to combine data from multiple columns. Click Add column → Merge columns, select a data type, write a formula including the columns you want to merge with /, then click Save settings. [1]
This lets you combine matching data from different columns into a single new column, which might help consolidate your imported CSV data with existing table data.
Before we go further, have you tried using Sculptor (the AI tool in the top-right corner)? It can help you set up this workflow quickly and might be the easiest way to get this merge done.
Clay Support
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If you still need help with merging your CSV data into existing rows, I’m here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you’re trying to achieve so we can explore the best approach together?
Calvin H.
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What do I have to choose here? This is the view I get, when I try to merge columns. I would like to make sure, that the E-mails i scraped are matched with the correct already existing row of the lead. Do you need any futher informations to help me with the merge?
Clay Support
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For merging email data, select "Email" as the data type from the dropdown. [1]
After selecting Email, you'll write a formula using / to combine columns - like Column A/Column B - which creates a waterfall where it checks the first column, then moves to the next if empty. [2]
This ensures your scraped emails match with existing leads by combining data from multiple email columns into one consolidated column.
Before we continue, have you tried using Sculptor (the AI tool in the top-right corner)? It can help set up this merge workflow quickly.
Clay Support
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If you still need help with merging your email data to match existing leads, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more details about your current setup or any specific challenges you’re facing?
Calvin H.
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is it possible for you to make me a working formula? i did not manage to do it by myself
Clay Support
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For merging email columns, use this formula format:
/Column A/Column B/Column C
Replace "Column A", "Column B", etc. with your actual column names. This creates a waterfall that checks the first column, then moves to the next if empty. [1]
For example, if you have columns named "Scraped Email" and "Existing Email":
/Scraped Email/Existing Email
You can also use our AI Formula Generator - just click Add Column → Formula, then describe what you want like "Use scraped email if available, otherwise use existing email" and it'll create the formula for you. [2]
Before we continue, have you tried Sculptor (top-right corner)? It can help set up this merge workflow quickly.
Muhammad S.
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huddle me on slack if you still couldnt make it work. Calvin H.
Clay Support
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Got it! For your email merge formula, try this exact format:
/Column Name 1/Column Name 2/Column Name 3
Replace with your actual column names. This creates a waterfall that checks the first column, then moves to the next if empty. [1]
For email columns specifically, you can exclude invalid entries and ensure clean output by using formulas that check for valid email addresses and skip entries like "No Email Found".
Before we escalate this, have you tried Sculptor yet? It's our AI tool in the top-right corner that can build this formula for you automatically. Just describe what you want and it'll create the exact formula. Let me know if Sculptor helps or if you still need assistance after trying it!

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