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

# Fix import problems

> Does importing overwrite your budget? No. Fix missing rows and format errors when importing into Budget Bandit.

Most import questions come down to three things: whether an import touches your current budget,
why some rows did not come in, and what to do about a format error.

## Will an import overwrite my budget?

No. **Every import creates a brand-new budget.** It never overwrites, merges into, or changes
the budget you are already using. This is true for all importers — YNAB, Monarch, Actual, CSV,
and OFX/QFX.

That means you can import without risk. If you do not like the result, delete the new budget and
your original is untouched. See [Import overview](/import/overview).

<Note>
  Because every import is a new budget, importing twice gives you two budgets. If you re-import to
  fix something, delete the earlier attempt so you are not switching between duplicates.
</Note>

## Some rows did not import

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Rows were skipped as duplicates">
    The importer detects duplicate transactions and skips them so you do not get doubles. If a row
    you expected is missing, it likely matched an existing one. See
    [Why rows didn't import](/import/why-rows-didnt-import).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="A column was not recognized">
    For CSV imports, the columns have to be mapped to date, payee, amount, and so on. If a row is
    missing required fields after mapping, it is skipped. See
    [CSV format](/import/csv-format) and [CSV import](/import/csv).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Transfers showed up once instead of twice">
    Transfers between two of your accounts are a single movement with two sides. The importers
    de-duplicate the pair so a transfer is not counted twice. This is expected.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Format errors

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The file would not upload">
    Check you are using the right importer for the file. YNAB, Monarch, and Actual each export a
    specific format — use the matching importer. For a plain export from a bank, use CSV or OFX/QFX.
    See [Import overview](/import/overview).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Amounts imported with the wrong sign">
    Some files record spending as positive and income as negative, or the reverse. During CSV
    mapping, confirm which column or sign means money out versus money in. See
    [CSV format](/import/csv-format).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Dates look wrong">
    Date formats vary by country (day-month-year versus month-day-year). Check the mapped date column
    against a row you recognize before finishing the import.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Still stuck

If a file will not import and the format looks right, reach us over
[in-app chat](/troubleshooting/contact-support) with the file you are trying to import.

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Import overview" icon="file-import" href="/import/overview">
    Every importer and the new-budget rule.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Why rows didn't import" icon="circle-question" href="/import/why-rows-didnt-import">
    Duplicates, missing fields, and skipped rows.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>