---
title: How to Import Category Terms, Attributes, and Brands with Excel
description: Import WooCommerce categories with images, attributes and brands in bulk from Excel with Import Terms.
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/import-product-terms-attributes-brands-with-excel/"
updated: "2026-09-27"
category: How to
---

# How to Import Category Terms, Attributes, and Brands with Excel

To create WooCommerce taxonomy terms in bulk, use the Import Terms screen in [WooCommerce Products Import & Export with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/item/woocommerce-products-import-export-with-excel/). You can import product categories (with images and hierarchy), attribute values, variation swatch data, and brand terms, all from a single Excel file. This is separate from importing products: you build the terms first, then assign them to products later.

### Open the Import Terms screen

Go to **WPFactory > Product Import/Export > Import Terms**. Select the taxonomy you want to import into from the **Select Taxonomy** dropdown, for example `product_cat` for categories or a product attribute taxonomy.

![The Import Terms screen with taxonomy selector and sample file links](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/IMPORT-CATEGORY-TERMS.png)

### Build the Excel file

Each row is one term. The plugin reads these columns in order:

| Column | Meaning |
| --- | --- |
| A | Term name. |
| B | Description. |
| C | Slug (optional; generated from the name if blank). |
| D | Parent term name, to build a hierarchy. |
| E | Image (for `product_cat`, the category image; for supported swatch and brand taxonomies, the swatch value or brand image). |
| F | Swatch tooltip or brand banner (for supported plugins). |
| G | Brand banner link (for supported brand plugins). |

Sample files are linked at the top of the screen: **ANY TAXONOMY SAMPLE EXCEL FILE** and **PRODUCT CATEGORIES SAMPLE WITH IMAGE**. Additional sample files appear automatically when a supported swatch or brand plugin is active.

### Import category terms with images

1. Select `product_cat` as the taxonomy.
2. List each category in column A, an optional description in B, an optional slug in C, and a parent category name in D for subcategories.
3. Put an image name or URL in column E to set the category image. Image names must already exist in your Media Library; URLs (including Dropbox public links) are downloaded on import.
4. Click **Import Terms**.

### Import attribute values and swatches

Select a product attribute taxonomy to import its values. When a supported variation swatches plugin is active, extra selectors appear so you can import swatch data:

- **Swatch type**: Color, Image, or Button.
- **Image attach method**: Upload or Uploaded ID.

Column E then carries the swatch value (a color, an image URL, or an image ID) and column F carries the tooltip.

### Import brand terms

When a supported brands plugin is active, select its brand taxonomy. Column E sets the brand image, column F the brand banner, and column G the brand banner link.

**Note:** swatch and brand fields are written only when the matching plugin (a supported variation swatches or brands plugin) is active. Category images and basic term data always import.

### Delete terms

To remove terms in bulk, use **WPFactory > Product Import/Export > Delete Terms**: select the taxonomy, upload an Excel file listing the terms, and click **Delete from Excel**.

![The Delete Terms screen with taxonomy selector and upload form](https://wpfactory.com/wp-content/uploads/DELETE-TERMS.png)

### Get more from Products Import & Export with Excel

Building your category and attribute structure first makes product imports cleaner. [WooCommerce Products Import & Export with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/item/woocommerce-products-import-export-with-excel/) handles both terms and products from Excel. [See everything it can do](https://wpfactory.com/item/woocommerce-products-import-export-with-excel/).

Related articles

- [How to Import WooCommerce Products and Assign Category Terms with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/docs/taxonomy-structure-how-to-import-woocommerce-products-and-caterogory-terms-with-excel/)
- [How to Import WooCommerce Products with a Comma in an Attribute Term Value](https://wpfactory.com/docs/how-to-import-woocommerce-products-in-bulk-with-comma-in-attribute-term-value/)
- [How to Import WooCommerce Subscriptions with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/docs/import-woocommerce-subscriptions-with-excel/)
- [How to Import Affiliate and External Products with Excel](https://wpfactory.com/docs/import-affiliate-external-products-with-excel/)
- [How to Bulk Import WooCommerce Product Translations with Excel for WPML](https://wpfactory.com/docs/how-to-bulk-import-woocommerce-product-translations-with-excel-for-wpml/)