Can I validate a Shopify product CSV before importing it?+
Yes. This local preflight checks file size, template family, headers, row width, handle groups, options, variants, inventory fields, image URL syntax, SEO lengths, and other documented structural rules. It cannot query your store or guarantee Shopify acceptance.
Does the validator upload product data?+
No. Parsing, findings, masked previews, normalization, the small-test copy, and reports stay in the browser tab. Image URLs are checked as text and are never fetched.
Does it support current and older Shopify product CSV headers?+
Yes. It detects current documented headers, legacy export headers, and unsafe hybrids. Safe fixes are limited to unambiguous case or outer-whitespace corrections.
Why can an overwrite import be risky?+
Blank cells can replace existing product values when overwrite is selected. Option changes can create new variant identities, and missing option columns can remove variants. Back up products and test a small import first.
What is in the small-test CSV?+
It contains the first five distinct product handles and every row belonging to those handles, including image-only and variant rows. It is still sensitive product data.
Can the tool verify image links or metafields against my store?+
No. It checks supported header structure and HTTPS URL syntax without making requests. It cannot verify reachability, media type, taxonomy, store references, metafield definitions, or permissions.
What format does the normalized CSV use?+
It uses UTF-8 text, RFC-style CSV quoting, and LF record endings. It preserves source row order and cell strings and changes only reviewed safe headers.
Can a successful preflight replace a Shopify test import?+
No. A preflight covers local evidence only. Use a backup, import a small complete product group, inspect products and variants in Shopify, and only then expand the import.