Get Started with Migration Templates

Migration templates are pre-formatted spreadsheets that structure your firm's data in the exact format Clio Manage requires for import. Each template corresponds to a specific data type and includes column headers that Clio maps directly to fields in your account.

Best practices for importing

Follow these best practices for every import to ensure your data transfers accurately.

• Match the exact format
  • Spreadsheet cell details must match exactly and be in the format specified in each template. Mismatched formats will cause import errors.
• Do not modify headers 
  • Do not change column headers. Clio maps headers directly to your data. Modified headers will cause the import to fail. 
• Save as CSV 
  • Always save your completed file in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format before uploading. Files saved in any other format will not import correctly. 
• Import in order
  • Always import contacts before matters to ensure matters link to the correct contact.

General import workflow

All data types follow the same three-step import process.

1. Download the template for the data type you want to import. See the articles below for template download links and field requirements for each data type.
2. Populate the template with your data and save the file in CSV format.
3. Go to the Clio Manage Imports page and upload the completed CSV file:
   • North America: https://app.clio.com/imports
   • Canada: https://ca.app.clio.com/imports

Import by data type

Select the article for the data type you want to import.

• Import Contacts With Migration Templates
• Import Matters With Migration Templates
• Import Activities With Migration Templates
• Import Calendar Events With Migration Templates
• Import Contact Notes With Migration Templates
• Import Matter Notes With Migration Templates
• Import Contact Custom Fields With Migration Templates
• Import Matter Custom Fields With Migration Templates
• Import Related Contacts With Migration Templates
• Import Tasks With Migration Templates
• Import Balances Forward With Migration Templates

Review migration import errors

Once your data is imported, review and resolve any errors using the importer.

1. Go to the Clio Manage Imports page:
   • North America: https://app.clio.com/imports
   • Canada: https://ca.app.clio.com/imports
2. Click the underlined error count for the relevant import.
3. Change the file that downloads to a CSV file and open it in Excel.
4. Read the errors in the left-hand column and correct the corresponding rows in your original template.
5. Re-upload the corrected file following the import steps for the relevant data type.