> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.taginsight.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import methods

> Various ways to import your tracking plans into Tag Insight

## Overview

Tag Insight provides multiple methods to import your existing tracking plans, making migration quick and painless. Whether you're starting from scratch or have existing documentation, we have an import method that fits your workflow.

## Import methods comparison

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Detect tracking plan" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
    **Automatic detection using live traffic**

    * Zero configuration required
    * Discovers all implemented events
    * AI-powered variable detection
    * Best for: Existing implementations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Chrome extension" icon="chrome">
    **Semi-automated capture**

    * Browse and capture events
    * Selective import
    * Visual validation
    * Best for: Quick setup
  </Card>

  <Card title="Excel import" icon="file-excel">
    **Import from Excel files**

    * Use existing documentation
    * Structured format
    * Template provided
    * Best for: Teams with Excel-based plans
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manual creation" icon="keyboard">
    **Build from scratch**

    * Full control
    * Use templates
    * Progressive building
    * Best for: New implementations
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Method 1: Detect Tracking Plan (Recommended)

The most innovative feature of Tag Insight - automatic tracking plan detection using real user traffic.

### How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install pixel">
    Ensure the Tag Insight pixel is installed on your site
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start detection">
    Navigate to **Tracking Plans > Detect Tracking Plan**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure detection">
    * **Duration**: How long to collect data (1 hour to 7 days)
    * **Pages**: Specific pages or entire site
    * **Sampling**: Percentage of traffic to analyze
  </Step>

  <Step title="Let traffic flow">
    The system automatically captures all data layer events from real users
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review & import">
    Review detected events and import selected ones
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Detection settings

```javascript theme={null}
{
  detection: {
    duration: "24 hours",
    sampling: "10%",
    pages: "all",
    min_occurrences: 5,
    include_rare_events: false
  }
}
```

### Advantages

* ✅ Discovers undocumented tracking
* ✅ Captures real-world variations
* ✅ No manual browsing required
* ✅ Includes actual data samples
* ✅ AI-powered structure detection

<Note>
  Based on demo transcripts, this feature can detect new events that even the tracking team wasn't aware of, especially from third-party implementations.
</Note>

## Method 2: Chrome extension import

The Tag Insight Chrome Extension provides a visual way to capture and import tracking.

### Installation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install extension">
    Add the Tag Insight Chrome Extension from the Chrome Web Store
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect to project">
    Log in and select your project
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to your site">
    Go to the website you want to capture
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Capture process

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Quick capture">
    1. Click extension icon
    2. Select **Start Capture**
    3. Browse key pages
    4. Stop capture
    5. Review and import
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Selective capture">
    1. Enable capture mode
    2. Navigate to specific page
    3. Trigger specific events
    4. Mark events for import
    5. Continue to next page
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Journey capture">
    1. Plan user journey
    2. Start at entry point
    3. Complete full flow
    4. Capture all events
    5. Import journey events
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

### Extension features

* **Live Preview**: See data layers in real-time
* **Event Filtering**: Focus on specific event types
* **Variable Inspector**: Examine variable values
* **Export Options**: Save to file or import directly

## Method 3: Excel/CSV import

Perfect for teams with existing tracking documentation in spreadsheets.

### Template structure

Download our template which includes:

| Column             | Description      | Example                                       |
| ------------------ | ---------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| event\_name        | Event identifier | `product_view`                                |
| event\_label       | Display name     | "Product View"                                |
| event\_description | When it fires    | "Fires when user views a product detail page" |
| variable\_name     | Variable key     | `product_id`                                  |
| variable\_type     | Data type        | `string`                                      |
| required           | Is required?     | `true`                                        |
| sample\_value      | Example          | `"SKU123"`                                    |

### Import process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Download template">
    Get template from **Tracking Plans > Import > Excel Template**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill your data">
    Add your events and variables following the format
  </Step>

  <Step title="Validate format">
    Use Excel's data validation to check format
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload file">
    Drag and drop into the import dialog
  </Step>

  <Step title="Map columns">
    Match your columns to Tag Insight fields
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview import">
    Review how data will be imported
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete import">
    Confirm to import all events
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Supported formats

* ✅ Excel (.xlsx, .xls)
* ✅ CSV (.csv)
* ✅ Google Sheets (via CSV export)
* ✅ TSV (.tsv)

### Tips for Excel import

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Data preparation">
    * Remove formatting and formulas
    * Ensure consistent naming
    * Check for duplicates
    * Validate data types
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Common issues">
    * Special characters in event names
    * Missing required columns
    * Inconsistent data types
    * Circular references
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Best practices">
    * Start with a small test import
    * Use the template structure
    * Include descriptions
    * Add sample values
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Import from other tools

### Google Sheets integration

1. Share your Google Sheet (view access)
2. Use **Import > Google Sheets**
3. Paste sheet URL
4. Map columns
5. Import

### Migration from competitors

We support migration from:

* Segment Protocols
* Adobe Launch
* Custom JSON schemas

Contact support for migration assistance.

## AI-powered enhancement

After importing, Tag Insight can enhance your tracking plan:

### Automatic descriptions

<Info>
  Tag Insight uses AI to generate descriptions for events and variables based on their names and context.
</Info>

Click **Generate Descriptions** to:

* Add missing descriptions
* Standardize existing ones
* Translate technical names
* Add business context

### Structure optimization

The AI can suggest:

* Naming convention improvements
* Variable grouping
* Event categorization
* Validation rules

## Post-import steps

### Review and refine

<Steps>
  <Step title="Verify completeness">
    Check all expected events are present
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add validation rules">
    Configure data type and format validation
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set requirements">
    Mark required vs optional variables
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add documentation">
    Include implementation notes and examples
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test with live data">
    Use Chrome extension to verify
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Common import scenarios

#### Scenario 1: Undocumented site

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Install Pixel] --> B[Run Detection 24h]
    B --> C[Review 150+ Events Found]
    C --> D[Select Business Critical]
    D --> E[Import & Refine]
```

#### Scenario 2: Excel migration

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Export from Current Tool] --> B[Map to Template]
    B --> C[Clean Data]
    C --> D[Import to Tag Insight]
    D --> E[Validate with Live Data]
```

#### Scenario 3: New implementation

```mermaid theme={null}
graph LR
    A[Use GA4 Template] --> B[Customize Events]
    B --> C[Add Custom Events]
    C --> D[Define Variables]
    D --> E[Implement & Test]
```

## Import best practices

### Pre-import checklist

* [ ] Audit current implementation
* [ ] Document special cases
* [ ] Identify data owners
* [ ] Plan validation rules
* [ ] Prepare test scenarios

### During import

* Start with core events
* Import in batches
* Validate as you go
* Document decisions
* Keep original source

### Post-import

* Run test audits
* Verify with real data
* Train team on changes
* Set up monitoring
* Document import process

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Import fails">
    * Check file format matches template
    * Verify no special characters
    * Ensure required columns present
    * Try smaller batch
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Missing events in detection">
    * Extend detection period
    * Check pixel installation
    * Verify traffic to pages
    * Lower minimum occurrence threshold
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Duplicate events">
    * Review naming conventions
    * Check for case sensitivity
    * Merge similar events
    * Use consistent identifiers
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Variable configuration" icon="sliders" href="/tracking-plans/variable-configuration">
    Configure validation rules for your variables
  </Card>

  <Card title="Chrome extension" icon="chrome" href="/tools/chrome-extension">
    Learn more about the Chrome extension features
  </Card>

  <Card title="Creating plans" icon="file-plus" href="/tracking-plans/creating-plans">
    Manual tracking plan creation guide
  </Card>

  <Card title="Start monitoring" icon="chart-line" href="/monitoring/setting-up-audits">
    Set up your first audit
  </Card>
</CardGroup>