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How to Import WooCommerce Products with a Comma in an Attribute Term Value

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When an attribute term must contain a comma, for example a size written as 1,5, change Separator for multiple values import at WPFactory > Product Import/Export > Settings > Main in WooCommerce Products Import & Export with Excel to another symbol, such as |. The importer splits attribute cells on that separator, so a comma inside a value is then kept.

Why the comma breaks the value #

When you bulk import products, the separator (a comma by default) divides multiple attribute values in a single cell. A cell containing 1,5 is therefore read as two terms, 1 and 5.

Step by step #

  1. Go to WPFactory > Product Import/Export > Settings > Main.
  2. In Separator for multiple values import, enter a symbol that never appears in your data, for example |.
  3. Save the settings.
  4. In your Excel file, write the term as it should appear, 1,5, and separate multiple values with the new symbol, for example 1,5|2,5|3.
  5. Use the new separator in every other multi-value column too: categories, tags, gallery images, upsells, cross-sells and custom fields.
  6. Upload the file on the Import/Update Products tab, map the attribute column and click Upload.

Note: older guides suggested escaping the comma with a backslash (1\,5). In the current version the importer splits on the separator setting and has no escape character, so change the separator instead.

If it does not work #

  • Still split into two terms: the setting was not saved, or the cell still uses commas between values.
  • Categories or images stopped importing correctly: those columns still use commas. Switch them to the new separator.
  • Variations not created: tick Used in Variations for the attribute on the mapping screen. See How to Select Which Attributes Are Used for Variations on Import.

FAQ #

What is the default separator? #

A comma. It is used when the setting is empty.

Does the separator affect exports? #

Scheduled exports read the same setting, so keep one separator for your whole workflow.

Can I import variable products with attributes from Excel? #

Yes. See How to Import a Variable Product from One Excel Row.

Get the most from Products Import & Export with Excel #

WooCommerce Products Import & Export with Excel imports simple and variable products with full control over attributes and variations. See everything it can do.

Need a hand? Our team answers every ticket on the Products Import & Export with Excel support forum.