Google Base Help

We support data feeds in two general formats, text and XML. While we don't currently accept data feeds in the Microsoft Excel format, you can convert your Excel file to the text format before you upload it.

Below, we've included overviews of each format to help you determine which is best suited for you. We'll provide sample templates specific to your item type for whichever format you choose for your feed. Once you've created a file in your chosen format, you can register your feed.

Click here for detailed instructions for creating a tab-delimited data feed.

In this format, you'll use one line per item to include item details (attribute values) separated by delimiters. Text files can be easily created and modified using a spreadsheet program. In a spreadsheet program, attribute names will appear in the first row at the top of each column (your header row). Item details will be in the rows below your header row, under their respective attribute names. Here's an example:

Advantages:

• Simple to create and edit if you have a spreadsheet program
• Easier to view multiple items

Disadvantages:

• Easier to make formatting mistakes

For detailed instructions on creating a Google Base XML data feed, please see the following links:

• RSS 1.0
• RSS 2.0
• Atom 0.3
• Atom 1.0

Overview:

We support extended versions of RSS 1.0, RSS 2.0, Atom 0.3, and Atom 1.0. You can create and edit these files using any text editor, such as Notepad or SimpleText. Like HTML, XML uses tags to define blocks of content. Information about your items is enclosed within these tags, which are indicated by angle brackets. Here's an example of how a single item might be described in RSS 2.0:

<item>
<title>HR Analyst - Mountain View</title>
<link>http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/topic.py?dep_id=1077&loc_id=1116</link>
<description>We have an immediate need for an experienced analytical HR professional. The ideal
candidate has a proven record of developing analytical frameworks.</description>
</item>

Advantages:

• Your site may already generate an XML file of your content
• Including multiple values for an attribute is easier

Disadvantages:

• May require more tech-savviness
• Familiarity with XML doesn't include familiarity with the Google Base namespace

> Next: How to register a data feed

or

> Get started: register and submit your data feed