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Importing Flows

Cambigo allows you to import workflows from JSON files, making it easy to restore backups, share flows between accounts, or migrate workflows.

Import Formats​

JSON Import​

Import flows from JSON files that were:

  • Exported from Cambigo
  • Created by another user
  • Generated programmatically (following Cambigo's schema)
  • Backed up for disaster recovery

Importing a Flow​

To import a JSON file:

  1. Go to the Dashboard
  2. Click Import or New Flow
  3. Select Import from JSON
  4. Choose your JSON file from your device
  5. Click Open or Import

The flow will be created and appear in your flow list.

What Gets Imported​

When you import a JSON file, Cambigo restores:

  • Metadata: Title, description, author, version, dates
  • All Steps: Every step with complete content
  • Phases: Major section markers
  • Groups: Alternative branches and connections
  • Descriptions: Full text content
  • Notes: Additional context
  • Flags and Dispositions: Status markers
  • Interview Data: Interview information if present
  • Data Context: Data requirements and samples
  • Attachments: Images (decoded from base64)
  • Reference Links: External resource links
  • Theme Setting: Document theme preference

Important Notes​

New Flow Creation​

Imported flows are always created as new flows. They don't update or replace existing flows.

This means:

  • A new flow ID is assigned
  • Import date becomes the creation date
  • Original creation date is preserved in metadata
  • The flow appears as a separate item in your dashboard

Author Information​

The original author information is preserved, but:

  • The flow is owned by the importing user
  • You become the owner with full edit rights
  • Original author name remains in metadata (if present)

Offline vs. Online​

You can choose where to store the imported flow:

  • Online: Synced to your Cambigo account
  • Offline: Stored only on your local device

Validating Imports​

Cambigo validates JSON files before importing to ensure:

  • Schema Compliance: File matches the expected structure
  • Data Integrity: All required fields are present
  • Version Compatibility: Schema version is supported
  • Format Correctness: JSON is properly formatted

Import Errors​

If import fails, you may see errors for:

  • Invalid JSON: File is not properly formatted JSON
  • Schema Mismatch: File doesn't match Cambigo's schema
  • Missing Required Fields: Essential data is missing
  • Unsupported Version: Schema version is too old or too new
  • Corrupted Data: File contains damaged data

Use Cases​

Backup and Recovery​

Import flows from backups to:

  • Restore accidentally deleted flows
  • Recover from data loss
  • Restore a previous version

Sharing Between Users​

Exchange flows with teammates by:

  1. User A exports flow as JSON
  2. User A sends file to User B
  3. User B imports the JSON file
  4. User B now has a copy in their account

Template Library​

Create a library of workflow templates:

  1. Export template flows as JSON
  2. Store in a shared location
  3. Team members import as needed
  4. Customize imported flows for their needs

Migration​

Move flows between:

  • Different Cambigo accounts
  • Development and production environments
  • Organizations or teams
  • Personal and business accounts

Version Control​

Manage workflow versions:

  1. Export JSON after each major change
  2. Store in version control (Git)
  3. Import specific versions as needed
  4. Compare different versions

Best Practices​

Before Importing​

  1. Verify Source: Ensure JSON file is from a trusted source
  2. Check File Size: Very large files may take time to process
  3. Backup Current Work: Export existing flows before importing many new ones
  4. Review Content: If possible, review the JSON content for sensitive data

After Importing​

  1. Verify Content: Check that all steps imported correctly
  2. Update Metadata: Change title, author, or version if needed
  3. Review Attachments: Ensure images imported and display correctly
  4. Test Links: Verify reference links are still valid
  5. Save Changes: Make any necessary edits and save

For Team Sharing​

  1. Standard Format: Agree on naming and metadata conventions
  2. Clean Exports: Remove internal notes before exporting for sharing
  3. Version Tracking: Include version numbers in filenames
  4. Documentation: Include a README describing the workflow

Troubleshooting​

Import Button Not Visible​

  • Ensure you're on the Dashboard view
  • Check that you're logged in
  • Verify your account has permission to create flows

Import Fails Silently​

  • Check browser console for errors
  • Ensure file is valid JSON
  • Try exporting and re-importing a test flow to verify the feature works

Missing Content After Import​

  • Verify the JSON file contains the expected data
  • Check Document View filters aren't hiding content
  • Review the JSON file in a text editor to confirm data is present

Images Not Displaying​

  • Ensure images were base64-encoded in the export
  • Check file size limits weren't exceeded
  • Verify image formats are supported

Slow Import​

  • Large flows take longer to process
  • Wait for the import to complete
  • Check browser performance if very slow

File Size Considerations​

Typical Sizes​

  • Simple flows (10-20 steps): 10-50 KB
  • Medium flows (50-100 steps): 50-200 KB
  • Large flows (200+ steps): 200 KB - 2 MB
  • With images: Add 100-300 KB per attached image

Large File Handling​

For very large JSON files:

  • Import may take 10-30 seconds
  • Browser may show "processing" message
  • Don't close the browser during import
  • Consider splitting very large workflows into smaller flows

Security Considerations​

JSON File Safety​

When importing JSON files:

  • Verify Source: Only import from trusted sources
  • Review Content: JSON files can contain any text
  • Check Links: Reference links may point anywhere
  • Scan Files: Use antivirus on downloaded files

Sensitive Data​

Before sharing JSON exports:

  • Remove Internal Notes: Clean up internal-only information
  • Review Attachments: Ensure images don't contain sensitive data
  • Check Links: Verify reference links are appropriate
  • Sanitize Metadata: Remove private author or company information

Common Questions​

Q: Can I import flows from other workflow tools?
A: Only if they export in Cambigo's JSON format. Most tools use different formats.

Q: Will importing a flow create a duplicate?
A: Yes, imports always create new flows, even if you import the same file multiple times.

Q: Can I import CSV files?
A: Currently, only JSON imports are supported. CSV import may be added in the future.

Q: What if the JSON file was created with an old version of Cambigo?
A: Cambigo attempts to upgrade old schema versions, but very old files may not import.

Q: Can I edit the JSON file before importing?
A: Yes, but be careful to maintain the correct schema structure or import will fail.

Q: Is there a limit on how many flows I can import?
A: Your account may have a total flow limit (check your dashboard), but no per-import limit.