HubDB Import Error - File Type Column

Developer Support CMS Development
1

I am trying to import a csv file into a HubDB table and keep getting an error on the File column. This column contains pdf files that are in Hubspot files. Here is the error-

Error for row 2 column 4: Could not parse value `https://3819225.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3819225/Literature/Product%20Specific/artcobell_CATALOG_Interactive.pdf` into column type `FILE`.

Not sure where the ` character is coming from. It’s not in the csv file. Or am I doing something wrong in regards to my file column in the import file? Do I need a certain syntax when you import a file?

If you copy the pdf url (without the special characters) and paste it in a browser, the pdf loads correctly. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Terry McMillan

2

Hey @tmcmillan99,

the ` is the ASCII code for a special character used mostly in code. This might be causing a conflict while uploading your CSV.

My recommendation would be to search your CSV for following character


and - if possible replace it with a different one. If it's in a file-name or path, try renaming it.

best,

Anton
3

@Anton

Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately, I have already searched for that character in my file and nothing was found. It’s Google Sheets that I am downloading as a csv. I have even looked at the csv file in a text editor trying to find that character. I will keep researching the file to see if I can figure it out.

4

Update - I still haven’t found a way to delete the hidden character. As a test, I changed the column type in HubDB from File to Url. The file imported correctly with no errors. Not ideal as being able to choose the file from within HubDB is the best option. However, using copy/paste for the file url could be a potential workaround.

Since the special character doesn’t seem to be in my csv file, I still think I am possibly missing something when it comes to correctly importing a file type column. There is a file type option that requires you to select between “all files” and “documents”. I couldn’t find anything that outlines the differences or even refers to the file type column in the Hubspot knowledgebase.

The main reason I think I might be doing something wrong with the import of that column is that if I manually select a file within HubDB then export it, that column contains the file id along with the file url. Not sure if the file id is necessary for an import. See below-

“40611579426,https://3819225.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3819225/Literature/Product%20Specific/artcobell_CATALOG_Interactive.pdf”

5

Update #2 - I did a test import using the export file as a template. I included the file id with the file url on a couple of rows. It imported those 2 rows correctly with no errors. Ugh! Happy that I figured out the correct import format but disappointing at the same time. I have 130 documents to import and if I have to manually look up the file id on all of them, I might as well just manually select them in HubDB. Defeats the purpose of the import. Converting the column to a Url type so I can use the import. Although a little annoying, not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.