Where can I find the plugin after I have installed it?
The plugin should appear in Tools > WP CSV.
How do I create or edit a post using the plugin?
Export your current posts and pages to CSV using the plugin. Open the CSV file in your favourite spreadsheet program. Use the column headings and exported rows as a guide for what you can put into each column. Refer to the Quick Start Guide and Detailed Guide for more information.
Is there a limit to the number of posts that you can edit when you try to upload it?
There’s no hard limit. Refer to the next question, for more detail.
Is there a limit to the number of posts that you can download or upload?
It depends on how much memory and processing power your server has. In out experience, most users will be able to import and export up to 10000 rows. We’ve had reports of success up to 20000 records.
Is it possible to me to create the spreadsheet itself and upload it to create the posts?
Yes you can create the csv file from scratch and upload it on your wordpress blog, as long as you follow the format.
Getting all the column names correct and in the right order is a little difficult though, so the simplest way to get an empty CSV is to export, then delete all data rows.
If I try to upload an XLS file instead of a CSV file will WP CSV still read it?
No. WP CSV only supports the CSV format. All spreadsheet programs should be able to open a CSV file without problem.
Where Does WP CSV Store Files?
WP CSV will try to create a working directory (‘wpcsv_backups’) in four locations:
- Your PHP system temp directory
- The web root
- WordPress content folder
- WordPress uploads folder
When all of these fail, it usually means that your web server is configured to prevent PHP scripts from creating new folders. Without changing your configuration, the only solution is to manually create the folder that WP CSV needs.
For simplicity, I suggest you create a folder called ‘wpcsv_backups’ under ‘wp-content/uploads’ and increase the permissions to 777. You can create the folder via FTP or a web console such as CPanel.
It’s preferable to keep this folder outside of the web root folder (where files are accessible via the internet), but even if the folder is inside the webroot, an .htaccess file will be added to prevent direct access to the files. Those using Nginx or another web server are, currently, expected to secure the directory themselves.
Blank Screen
If you see a blank screen while using the plugin, then it may indicate that a Fatal error is being generated. You should be able to see what the error is by looking for an ‘error_log’ file on your server (via FTP or CPanel)
The only Fatal Errors I’ve seen generated by my plugin are related to server settings which I have no control over. It’s possible you’ll see an out of memory error or an error related to maximum execution time. Solutions are provided in this FAQ.
Fatal Error: Maximum execution time of xx seconds exceeded.
If you have a slow, or overloaded, server you may receive this error once your CSV file starts to grow a little bit (usually 1000s of products). The less you pay for your hosting the more likely this is to happen because you’re not getting enough CPU to process your CSV file within the time limit (also set by your hosting provider).
Solution: Email your web host and request that they increase the php ‘max_execution_time’ setting to 600.Any good web host (even inexpensive ones) will allow you to do this.
Fatal Error: Allowed memory size of xx exhausted.
WordPress is known to use a lot of memory once you activate several plugins. Most web hosts set the default to 32MB, but WordPress will often need to exceed that with 10-15 plugins installed (it depends largely on the plugins). Most good web hosts will allow you to increase your maximum memory usage from 32MB up to 64MB or even 128MB.
Solution: Contact your web host and request that the PHP ‘memory_limit’ setting is increased to at least 64MB.
Any good web host (even inexpensive ones) will allow you to do this.