---
title: "How to Fill the Bulk Import Template"
source: /gc-surge/setup-deployment/how-to-fill-the-bulk-import-template
locale: en
updated: 2026-09-23
---
The bulk import template is a spreadsheet where each row represents one device. This guide explains what to enter in each column, which fields are required, and the formatting rules that prevent upload failures. Covers: Get the Template, Column Reference, Required Fields by Connection Type, Format Rules, Pre-Upload Checklist. Once your file is ready, see [Bulk Spreadsheet Import](/setup-deployment/bulk-spreadsheet-import) for the upload steps.

## Step 1 — Get the Template

Always download the template directly from the platform — do not use a saved copy from a previous import, as the column structure may have changed.

1. Go to **Configuration** in the left sidebar.
2. Click **Add sites & devices** then **Import from spreadsheet**.
3. Click **Download file** (the “Need a starter template?” link).
4. Open the downloaded file in Excel or Google Sheets.

## Column Reference

Each row represents one device. The template has 12 columns in this exact order. Do not rename, reorder, or delete any column.

| Column | What to enter | Required? | Example |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Site Name | The name of the site this camera belongs to. Must be unique across the platform and within the file. | Required | Main Entrance - Dubai Mall |
| Camera Name | A label for this specific camera. | Required | Front Gate Camera 1 |
| IP Address | The camera’s IP address or hostname. No trailing slash. | Required | 192.168.1.101 |
| HTTP Port | The HTTP port the camera web interface is accessible on. Must be a number between 1 and 65535. Common factory defaults: Hikvision 80 | Dahua 80 | AXIS 80. |
| RTSP Port | The RTSP stream port. Leave blank if the camera does not use a separate RTSP port. Common default is 554. | Optional | 554 |
| User Name | The camera’s login username. | Required | admin |
| Password | The camera’s login password. | Required | P@ssw0rd! |
| Camera Brand | The camera manufacturer. Must match a supported brand exactly — spelling and capitalisation matter. | Required | Hikvision |
| Site Owner Email | Email address of the on-site contact who will receive the Site Key and run the Local Agent. Required for Private/VPN and GC Edge sites. Optional for Public IP. | Private & Edge only | technician@company.com |
| Contact Phone | On-site contact phone number. Must include country code. | Private & Edge only | +962797000000 |
| Contact Name | On-site contact’s full name. | Private & Edge only | Ahmad Hassan |
| HTTPS? | Whether the camera uses HTTPS. Enter TRUE or FALSE (uppercase). Do not enter “http” or “https”. | Required | FALSE |

## Required Fields by Connection Type

| Field | Public IP | Private / VPN | GC Edge |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Site Name | Required | Required | Required |
| Camera Name | Required | Required | Required |
| IP Address | Required | Required | Required |
| HTTP Port | Required | Required | Required |
| RTSP Port | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| User Name | Required | Required | Required |
| Password | Required | Required | Required |
| Camera Brand | Required | Required | Required |
| HTTPS? | Required | Required | Required |
| Site Owner Email | Optional | Required | Required |
| Contact Phone | Optional | Required | Required |
| Contact Name | Optional | Required | Required |

## Format Rules

- One device per row — if a site has 5 devices, it needs 5 rows all with the same **Site Name**.
- Plain text values only — no Excel formulas, no coloured cells, no merged cells.
- Do not add, remove, or reorder columns.
- Save the file as **.xlsx** or **.xls**. Do not save as .csv.
- **Contact Phone** must include the country code: `+962797000000` not `0797000000`.
- **HTTPS?** must be exactly `TRUE` or `FALSE` in uppercase. Do not enter “http”, “https”, “yes”, or “no”.
- **Camera Brand** must match a supported brand exactly as it appears in the platform (for example: Hikvision, AXIS, Dahua, NX Witness).
- **IP Address** must be a valid IPv4 address or hostname with no trailing slash.
- **HTTP Port** must be a number between 1 and 65535.
- **RTSP Port** can be left blank if not applicable.
- Site names must be unique — no two rows in the same file, and no conflict with sites already in the platform.

## Pre-Upload Checklist