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Tree Import

For DocTypes that use a tree structure (Account, Cost Center, Territory, Item Group, Customer Group, etc.), Excel View supports importing hierarchical data from a flat XLSX file.

Preparing the Import File​

Your XLSX file must have:

ColumnRequiredDescription
name✅Document name / ID
parent_account (or parent_<doctype>)✅Parent node's name. Leave blank for root nodes.
Other fieldsOptionalAny other DocType fields

The parent reference column name depends on the DocType:

  • Account → parent_account
  • Cost Center → parent_cost_center
  • Territory → parent_territory
  • Custom tree DocTypes → parent_{doctype_snake_case}

Import Flow​

  1. Data tab → Import → Tree Import
  2. Choose the DocType (must be a tree DocType)
  3. Upload your file
  4. Map columns
  5. Preview the detected tree structure
  6. Click Import

Excel View processes the tree in the correct order:

  • Root nodes (no parent) are created first
  • Child nodes are created after their parent exists
  • The import handles arbitrary depth

Example: Importing a Chart of Accounts​

name,               parent_account,         account_type, root_type
Application of Funds,,                      ,             Asset
Fixed Assets,       Application of Funds,   Fixed Asset,  Asset
Furniture,          Fixed Assets,           ,             Asset
Computers,          Fixed Assets,           ,             Asset

Root node Application of Funds has no parent. Fixed Assets → Application of Funds → root.

Error Handling​

If a parent node doesn't exist (e.g., referenced before it's created, or missing from the file), the row fails with: "Parent '[name]' not found". Fix: ensure all parent nodes appear in the file (even if already in Frappe).

Updating Existing Nodes​

Including a node name that already exists in Frappe will update that node's fields (except the parent, which cannot be changed via import — use the Frappe form to restructure the tree).