> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.algolia.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import data from the dashboard

> Use a no-code connector or a dashboard file upload to index your data in Algolia.

export const Records = () => <Tooltip tip="A record is a searchable object in an Algolia index. Each record consists of named attributes." cta="Algolia records" href="/doc/guides/sending-and-managing-data/prepare-your-data#algolia-records">
    records
  </Tooltip>;

export const Index = () => <Tooltip tip="An Algolia index is a searchable dataset that consists of records and configuration settings. These settings define how the records are searched and ranked.">
    index
  </Tooltip>;

The Algolia dashboard has two methods to index <Records /> without code:

* A **connector** reads your data from a source you host, then updates your <Index /> on a schedule or on demand. Use a connector for data that changes.
* A **file upload** sends one file from your computer to your index. Use a file upload for sample data.

## Index your data with connectors

You point a connector at your data and choose the index it keeps up to date.
Algolia manages the ingestion pipeline, so you don't have to write your own.
You can also apply [transformations](/doc/guides/sending-and-managing-data/send-and-update-your-data/how-to/transform-your-data-without-code) to your records before indexing.

For files, use one of these connectors:

* The [CSV connector](/doc/guides/sending-and-managing-data/send-and-update-your-data/connectors/csv) indexes a hosted CSV file.
* The [JSON connector](/doc/guides/sending-and-managing-data/send-and-update-your-data/connectors/json) indexes a hosted JSON file.

For more information, see [Connectors](/doc/guides/sending-and-managing-data/send-and-update-your-data/connectors).

## Upload a file for a one-time import

Use a file upload to index a local file—you don't need to host it.

Keep your files smaller than 100 MB.
Larger files can make your browser unresponsive.
To index them, use a connector or the [API](/doc/guides/sending-and-managing-data/send-and-update-your-data/how-to/importing-with-the-api).

### Import file formats

You can import JSON, CSV, and TSV files.

<CodeGroup>
  ```json JSON theme={"system"}
  [
    {
      "firstname": "Jimmie",
      "lastname": "Barninger"
    },
    {
      "firstname": "Warren",
      "lastname": "Speach"
    }
  ]
  ```

  ```csv CSV theme={"system"}
  firstname,lastname
  Jimmie,Barninger
  Warren,Speach
  ```

  ```tsv TSV theme={"system"}
  "firstname" "lastname"
  "Jimmie"    "Barninger"
  "Warren"    "Speach"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

### Upload the file

An upload adds <Records /> to the index you're viewing, and never deletes records.

Every record in your index has a unique [object ID](/doc/guides/sending-and-managing-data/send-and-update-your-data#unique-object-identifiers).
If a record in your file has the same object ID as a record in your index, the upload replaces it.
If a record in your file doesn't have an object ID, Algolia generates one from the record's content.

1. Click **Add records > Upload file**. On an empty index, click **Upload records > Upload file**.
2. Drop the file into the **Upload records** box, or select the file on your file system. Then click **Upload**.

When Algolia indexes your data, the dashboard shows a success notification.

### Create a new index

To upload your file to a new index, create the index first:

1. In the Algolia dashboard, go to the [**Indices** tab](https://dashboard.algolia.com/explorer/browse). Click **New > Index**.
2. Enter a name for your index. Click **Create**.