How to import data from virtually anywhere using generic CSV

Minimalist can import your passwords and other data from virtually anywhere using generic CSV, although it will take a little work on your part. This even works in free mode so you can try it out before purchasing! Here's what you'll need to do.

Step 1: Check if Minimalist can import directly from your app

Minimalist can import passwords and other data directly from an ever growing list of password managers. This is considerably easier than using generic CSV and should be used whenever possible:

Is your password manager missing from the list? Think we should add it? Please let us know at hello@minimalistpassword.com and we'll see what we can do!

Step 2: Export your data to a CSV (.csv) file

Many apps offer the ability to export data into CSV (.csv) format. Check with your app's developer to see if this is supported.

If your app does not export to CSV, look for another plain text file format such as .txt which will allow you to copy/paste values into a new CSV file.

Step 3: Modify the exported CSV file to match Minimalist's requirements

Open the exported CSV file in a spreadsheet application such as Apple's Numbers or Microsoft's Excel. If you do not have a CSV file, simply create a new spreadsheet which can be modified as needed.

In order to know what to do with each value in a CSV file, Minimalist requires specific column labels to be in the first row. These column labels are case-sensitive, so make sure they match exactly:

title, username, password, totpSecretKey, website, notes

Modify the column labels in the first row to exactly match the required column labels above. Do your best to match previous labels to the corresponding Minimalist required labels:

  • name -> title
  • email address -> username
  • 2fa -> totpSecretKey
  • etc.

Mistakes can always be corrected later inside Minimalist, so just do your best!

* Please note totpSecretKey is not a typo and refers to the QR code or Secret Key provided by a website which Minimalist uses to generate Time-based One-Time Passwords. Other apps may call this field 2fa, otp, totp, secretKey, etc.

Step 4: Save the modified data back into CSV

Once the column labels match Minimalist's requirements, you'll need to save the modified data back into CSV. Your spreadsheet program will have such an option most likely available via the file menu on Mac.

Here are the steps for Apple's Numbers:

  • Select File -> Export To -> CSV... from the menu bar.
  • Select Unicode (UTF-8) for the Text Encoding.
  • Select Next...
  • Choose the location.
  • Select Export.

Step 5: Import your data into Minimalist

You can now import your data into Minimalist from the modified CSV file:

  • Open Minimalist.
  • Select the gear icon to open Settings.
  • Select Import Items.
  • Select Generic CSV.
  • Select location of the modified CSV file.
  • Select Start Import.

Step 6: Confirm your data

In our experience importing and exporting data between different apps can be a little tricky. Things sometimes get missed. Please confirm all the data you expect is now present in Minimalist.

Please reach out to us at hello@minimalistpassword.com if you run into any trouble. We'll be happy to help!

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