> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.kneadapp.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Importing Historical Orders
> Bring past and in-progress orders into Knead from a spreadsheet without emailing your customers.
## Overview
Already tracking orders in a spreadsheet? You can bring them into Knead so your books and your bakes live in one place. Imported orders are tagged so they stay quiet: your customers won't get invoice emails or reminders for anything you import.
This guide walks through importing your historical 2026 orders from a `.csv` or `.xlsx` file.
## Open the import screen
1. Go to **The Board** (`/orders`).
2. Click the **Import** button, next to **New Order**.
You'll land on the **Import Orders** page (`/orders/import`) — "Bring historical orders in from a spreadsheet."
## Step 1: Upload your spreadsheet
The upload screen is headed **Import historical orders**:
> For past or in-progress 2026 orders you've been tracking elsewhere. Customers will not receive invoice emails or reminders for imported orders.
1. If your spreadsheet doesn't match the expected layout, click **Download CSV template** to grab a starter file.
2. Make sure your columns line up with the ones Knead expects: Client Name, Email, Phone, Delivery Date, Your Order #, Product, Quantity, Unit Price, Total, Paid?, Paid Date, Payment Method, Notes.
3. Click **Choose File** and pick your spreadsheet.
Good to know: Knead accepts `.xlsx` and `.csv` files, up to 200 rows per import. Split larger histories into multiple files.
## Step 2: Review before importing
Once your file is parsed, you'll see a banner: "{N} rows parsed — review before importing." Below it:
> Each row becomes an order tagged imported. Paid rows get a manual payment on the invoice. Reminder emails are disabled for every imported order.
Each row appears as an editable **Row {n}** card so you can fix anything before it commits:
* Client name, email, and phone
* **Delivery date** and **Your order #**
* **Qty** and **Total (\$)**
* **Product / description**
* A **Paid** checkbox — tick it to reveal **Paid date** and **Method**
### How clients are matched
Knead tries to match each row to an existing client:
* **Matched by email** or **Matched by name** — the row is linked to that client. Click **Create new client instead** if it's the wrong person.
* **Multiple matches — pick one** — choose the correct client from the list.
* **Will create new client** — no match found, so a new client record is created on import.
## Step 3: Import
The sticky footer shows **Ready to import X of N**. When you're happy with the rows, click **Import {X} orders**. You'll see a confirmation toast: "Imported {N} orders."
Pro tip: Imported orders are tagged so they never trigger customer-facing emails or reminders. Paid rows automatically record a manual payment on the invoice, so your totals stay accurate from day one.
## Related Articles
* [Creating Orders Manually](/managing-orders/creating-orders-manually)
* [Order Statuses Explained](/managing-orders/order-statuses-explained)
* [Importing Clients](/customers/importing-clients)
***
*Still need help? [Contact us](mailto:hello@kneadapp.co)*