Inline-create levels, fields, and tags during import

When MapleGather maps your import columns, it might find values — like a membership level name or a custom field — that don’t exist in your org yet. This guide shows how to create them on the spot without leaving the mapping screen.

Who can do this: Admins with the import permission. Creating a membership level also requires the membership-level permission; creating custom fields or tags requires those matching permissions. If an option is grayed out, ask your Org Owner.

Before you start

• Complete the file upload step first. Inline-create options appear during column mapping, after your file has been parsed. See Upload and map your import file.

Steps

Create a membership level during mapping

1. In the mapping grid, find a column whose values are membership level names (such as “Gold” or “Honorary”).
2. If the level doesn’t exist yet, the Maps to dropdown shows the value with a note “not found.” Select Create new….
3. A panel slides in on the right. Enter a Name for the level.
4. Review the default settings shown — renewal cycle, pricing mode, and billing cycles. These defaults are shown clearly so nothing is hidden. You can adjust them after the import in Settings > Membership levels.
5. Select Create level. The new level appears as the mapped target for that column and the panel closes.

Create a custom field during mapping

1. In the mapping grid, find a column for data that has no matching field — for example, “Alma Mater” or “T-shirt Size.”
2. Select Create new… in the Maps to dropdown for that column.
3. A panel slides in. The Label is pre-filled with your column header. The Field type is suggested based on the values MapleGather found — check the confidence badge and change the type if needed.
4. If the type is Single choice, review the detected options and add or remove any.
5. Select Create field. The new field appears as the mapped target and the panel closes.

Create a tag during mapping

1. In the mapping grid, find a column that contains tags or group names.
2. Select Create new… in the Maps to dropdown.
3. A panel slides in with the tag name pre-filled. If a tag with a similar name already exists — for example, “board” when “Board” already exists — you’ll see a warning. Select Use existing to link to the existing tag, or Create new to create a separate one.
4. Select Create tag. The panel closes and the tag is mapped.

Verify

You’ll know each item was created when the Maps to column shows the new level, field, or tag name as the confirmed target. After the import is complete, the post-import summary lists everything created during this session under Things you created this import, with links to configure each item.

If something goes wrong

• “Create new…” doesn’t appear in the dropdown — You may not have the required permission for that item type. Ask your Org Owner to check your role settings.
• The level or field wasn’t created the way you expected — Return to Settings > Membership levels or Settings > Member fields after the import to update the configuration. The items are there and linked to the imported members.

Related

• Upload and map your import file
• Review the import summary and handle errors