Freshsales is a sales CRM with built-in email, phone and activity tracking. Import and export capabilities centre on contacts, accounts, deals and leads. Activity history is accessible via the API.
This guide covers CSV import, record export, the Freshsales API and Coefficient for recurring exports to Google Sheets or Excel.
| What data can you import and export from Freshsales? |
| Freshsales supports CSV import of contacts, accounts, deals and leads. Export covers contacts, accounts, deals and leads as CSV. Activity history (calls, emails, meetings) is accessible via the Freshsales API. Coefficient connects Freshsales to Google Sheets or Excel for live, auto-refreshing CRM data exports. |
How to import data into Freshsales
Method 1: CSV import
- In Freshsales, go to the module you want to import into (Contacts, Accounts, Deals or Leads).
- Click Import from the module header.
- Upload your CSV file. Freshsales reads column headers and auto-maps to CRM fields.
- Review field mappings. Handle any unmapped columns by assigning them to custom fields or skipping.
- Choose duplicate handling: skip, overwrite or merge on a selected unique field.
- Click Import. Freshsales processes the file and emails a status report when complete.
Format requirements:
- File type: CSV only.
- Required field: Email (for contacts). Deal Name (for deals). Account Name (for accounts).
- Custom fields: must be pre-created in Freshsales before import. Use the exact custom field name as the column header.
- Duplicate handling: choose a unique identifier field (e.g. email) for Freshsales to match on during import to prevent duplicates.
- Cannot import: activity history (calls, emails, meetings), pipeline stage history and notes cannot be imported via CSV.
Method 2: Freshsales API
The Freshsales API supports programmatic creation and update of all CRM objects. Use it for migrating from Salesforce or HubSpot with full data fidelity, automated lead capture pipelines or continuous data sync from external systems.
How to export data from Freshsales
Method 1: Record export (CSV)
- Go to the module (Contacts, Accounts, Deals or Leads) in Freshsales.
- Apply filters or use a saved view to narrow the records you want to export.
- Click Export or look for the download icon in the module header.
- Choose which fields to include in the export.
- Freshsales emails a download link when the export is ready.
- Included: all standard and custom field values for the selected records.
- Not included: activity history, email threads, call logs and meeting notes. Access these via the API.
Method 2: Coefficient for live, scheduled exports
Freshsales’s native export is a manual, one-time CSV. For RevOps and sales teams that need fresh pipeline data in a spreadsheet weekly, Coefficient automates this.
Coefficient connects Freshsales to Google Sheets or Excel. CRM data refreshes automatically.
- Import contacts, accounts, deals and leads with field-level selection and stage or status filters.
- Set auto-refresh so pipeline reports are always current for weekly reviews.
- Turn live Freshsales data into a shareable web dashboard. Coefficient AI dashboards build it in plain English.
How to connect Freshsales to a spreadsheet with Coefficient:
- Install Coefficient from the Google Workspace Marketplace or Microsoft AppSource.
- Open Coefficient from the Extensions menu in Google Sheets, or the add-in menu in Excel.
- Click Import From and select Freshsales. When prompted, enter your Freshsales API key to complete the connection.
- Select the module (Contacts, Deals, etc.), choose fields and apply filters.
- Set a Scheduled Run to refresh data automatically.
Method 3: Freshsales API for programmatic export
The Freshsales API provides access to all CRM records, activity history and pipeline data in JSON format. Use it for automated reporting pipelines, data warehouse ingestion or building custom dashboards.
Import and export method comparison
| Method | Direction | Data covered | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSV import | Import | Contacts, accounts, deals, leads | CSV | Bulk CRM data import, migration from another CRM |
| Freshsales API (import) | Import | All CRM objects, activities | JSON | Automated pipelines, full-fidelity migrations |
| Record export (CSV) | Export | Contacts, accounts, deals, leads | CSV | One-time CRM data exports |
| Coefficient | Export from Freshsales | Contacts, accounts, deals, leads | Live sync to Sheets or Excel | Recurring exports, live pipeline reporting |
| Freshsales API (export) | Export | All records including activity history | JSON | Full backups, data warehouse ingestion |
FAQ
What file formats does Freshsales support for data import?
CSV only. Freshsales does not support XLSX or vCard import natively. Convert your data to CSV before importing.
Stop exporting data manually. Sync data from your business systems into Google Sheets or Excel with Coefficient and set it on a refresh schedule.
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Can you export Freshsales data to Google Sheets automatically?
Yes, with Coefficient. Connect Freshsales, select your CRM module and set a refresh schedule. Contact and deal data updates in Google Sheets or Excel automatically.
Can you import activity history into Freshsales via CSV?
No. Activity history (calls, emails, meetings, notes) cannot be imported via CSV. Use the Freshsales API to create activity records programmatically during a migration.
How do you handle duplicates when importing into Freshsales?
During the CSV import flow, Freshsales prompts you to choose a unique identifier field (typically email for contacts or deal name for deals). Choose “Overwrite” or “Merge” to update existing records rather than creating duplicates. Choosing “Skip” keeps existing records unchanged and imports only net-new ones.
If you need Freshsales CRM data refreshed automatically in a spreadsheet, try Coefficient free and connect Freshsales in a few clicks.
