How to import data from a MySQL database
By downloading your database table as a CSV file, you can import it to Gravity Forms using GravityImport.
Watch this video for a full tutorial on how to do this:
This article is based on the video from GravityKit Live!, using the example CSV structure from the demo. For a generic getting started, check out Getting Started with GravityImport: How to Import Entries into Gravity Forms.
If you have a database table you want to move into Gravity Forms (instead of keeping it in a database table), you can use the GravityImport add‑on to create a new form and import the data automatically.
Prerequisites
- A WordPress site with Gravity Forms installed and activated.
- GravityKit Import Entries add‑on installed and activated.
- A CSV export of your database table.
1. Export Your Database Table to CSV
- Open your database in your preferred database manager.
- Locate the table you want to export.
Use the export function to save it as a CSV file.
(Most database tools have an “Export” or “Download as CSV” option.)
2. Open the GravityImport "Import Entries" screen
Log into your WordPress admin dashboard, then:
Navigate to the Forms menu, click Import/Export, then select Import Entries.
(If using the GravityKit demo site, visit: gravityimport.try.gravitykit.com).
- Ensure the Import Entries add‑on is activated.
3. Upload Your CSV File
- In the Upload CSV field, click Choose File and select your exported CSV.
- Choose Create a New Form.
- Give the form a name (e.g., "Imported Form").
4. Map CSV Columns to Gravity Forms Fields
GravityImport will read your CSV columns and let you choose the Gravity Forms field type for each.
- For First Name and Last Name, choose the Name field type.
- Map CSV first_name → Name (First)
- Map CSV last_name → Name (Last)
- For addresses, select the Address field type.
- Map CSV columns to Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State, ZIP.
- If the dataset has columns you don’t need (e.g., County), check Do Not Import.
- Map Phone to the Phone field type.
- Map Fax to the Phone field type.
- Map Email to the Email field type.
- Map Website to the Website (URL) field type.
5. (Optional) Filter Which Rows Are Imported
You can choose to only import certain rows. For example:
- Only import entries where the State column is CA.
6. (Optional) Enable Email Notifications
If you want Gravity Forms to send notifications (e.g., “Form Submitted” emails) for imported entries:
- Enable Email Notifications.
7. Complete the Import
- Click Create Form and Continue with Import.
- When the process finishes, click View Imported Records.
8. Review the Imported Form & Entries
- You’ll now see your imported entries in Gravity Forms with all mapped fields.
- The form is automatically created for you.
- You can also choose to import into an existing form instead of creating a new one.
✅ You’ve successfully moved your database table data into Gravity Forms!