Skip to main content
cesteralDocs
FAQContact

Upload Node

Import a CSV or JSON file as automation input, with optional geographic column detection

Last updated 8 Oct 2026

The Upload node is an automation source: you upload a file in the node's config panel, and it emits the parsed rows as records for downstream nodes. It also detects and validates a geographic identifier column so spatial nodes can join your data to census areas.

When to Use

Use Upload when your data originates as a file export — from a CRM, ad platform, or spreadsheet — rather than from a saved audience. For audience segments built in the platform, use the Audience Builder source instead.

Configuration

Upload is configured directly in its properties panel rather than through generic fields:

ControlDescription
FileThe file to import. CSV and JSON are parsed; the parser reads the CSV header row as column names, or the keys of JSON objects
Geographic Identifier ColumnOptional column containing area codes to join with geographic data. Detected candidates are surfaced with a confidence score, and high-confidence single matches are auto-selected

When you select a geographic column, it is validated against the area-code reference data, reporting a match rate and the detected country and level.

Example

Upload a CSV export and pick its area-code column:

  1. Upload leads_q1_2026.csv. The node parses the header into columns and previews them.
  2. If the file contains an area-code column, it is auto-detected; otherwise pick one under Geographic Identifier Column, or leave it as None.

The parsed rows flow downstream with their original column names.

Notes

  • The first CSV row is treated as the header; JSON input may be a single object or an array of objects.
  • Column names are taken from the file as-is — use a Transform node to rename or coerce them.
  • Geographic column detection is optional. Leave it as None if your data has addresses or coordinates that need geocoding instead of an area-code join.
  • At run time the node emits the file's parsed rows; if it is wired to receive upstream input, that input takes precedence over the uploaded file.

Related articles

Still stuck? Browse the FAQ or contact us.