This document includes instructions for creating a tab-delimited Google Base data feed with a spreadsheet program. If you prefer to work with a text editor, you can skip these steps; just be sure to follow our format requirements. For instructions on creating an XML data feed instead, please see the following links: RSS 1.0, RSS 2.0, Atom 0.3, Atom 1.0.
Step-by-step instructional videos for creating your feed:
Microsoft Excel
Open Office Calc
| Step 1: Open your spreadsheet program |
Using a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel makes it easy to create a feed and convert it to the proper format.
| Step 2: Create a header row |
On the first row of the spreadsheet, enter the names of the attributes that describe your items, each in its own column. Include any relevant pre-defined attributes. If your feed is of one of our standard item types, we've provided a list of attributes that you should use. (Look up your item type for this list.) You can also define your own custom attributes.
As an example, the header row for a "Products" item type feed might look like this:
| Step 3: Enter your item information |
In the rows below the header row, enter information about your items for the attributes you've chosen. Each item should be listed in a separate row, and its information divided into the appropriate columns. (For example, an item's description should be in the same column as the "description" header.)
| Step 4: Convert your spreadsheet |
Save the spreadsheet as tab-delimited text (.txt) by using the "Save as..." command in the File menu and specifying the format type. If you've already registered a feed in your Google Base account, use the same filename.
| Step 5: Submit your data feed |
Check that your file meets our format requirements below. Then, if your feed has been registered with the correct filename and item type, submit it to us.
- The file must be tab-delimited plain text.
- The first line of the file is the header -- it must contain attribute names, separated by tabs.
- One item per line; separate each attribute in that line by a tab.
- Do not include trailing tabs at the end of lines.
- Do not include tabs or line breaks in the attributes themselves.